Breast Cancer Resources in Oklahoma – Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022

Breast cancer affects tens of thousands of women and men in the United States each year. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this time of year, charities and resource centers for people with breast cancer are more visible. However, there is still no cure for breast cancer. Below are some resources for preventing breast cancer if you do not already have it and some resources to use if you already have it or if you are looking to help others who have it.

Prevention

While breast cancer is not entirely preventable, there are certain lifestyle changes a person can make to reduce their risk. Generally living a healthy life is one of the best things any person can do to reduce their risk. This involves having a healthy weight, exercising, and reducing your alcohol intake. 

Women can also reduce their risk by breastfeeding if they have children. While more research still needs to be done on this topic, the evidence so far shows that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the more positive the effect will be. Older women can also reduce their risk by avoiding postmenopausal hormone therapy. If you must use hormone therapy, using the lowest possible dose is best.

However, there are some factors that raise a person’s risk of having breast cancer that cannot easily be avoided. These include being born female, being over 55 years old, and having a family history of breast cancer. People who have a direct relative with breast cancer are 5-10% more likely to get it than someone who does not have a direct relative. Part of this is due to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. People who have this gene may also get breast cancer at a younger age than people who do not.

Oklahoma Resources

People in Oklahoma who have breast cancer can get emotional help from others by joining a support group. There are several support groups that meet around Oklahoma that are open to anyone who needs them. Project 31 is one of the leading support groups in the state. They hold meetings about once a week at various locations. You can see their schedule here to find a meeting near you. 

Financial support is also a serious concern when it comes to fighting any medical diagnosis. The Breast Cancer Assistance Program in Tulsa can help to provide temporary financial assistance, primarily to help pay a mortgage/rent and utilities for qualifying cancer patients. Patients who are on Medicaid (or who may qualify for it) can also work with Oklahoma Cares: Oklahoma’s Breast & Cervical to get financial assistance or help with getting or using health insurance.

Oklahoma Breast Cancer Charities

While Sample Oklahoma does work with various charities, we do not currently [October 2022]  have any direct relationship with any breast cancer charities. Luckily, there are dozens of breast cancer charities around the state that anyone can donate to. Below is a short list of some of the highest-reviewed ones. 

• Breast Impressions Foundation
• Project 31
• Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP)
• Oklahoma Project Woman Inc

You can use this link to see more charities or to donate to one of the charities listed above.

Cancer is a serious topic, and we’re serious about doing all we can to help people who struggle with it. Use these tips and resources to help yourself and others in the fight against breast cancer this October and every month afterward!