Did you know that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? In 2021, more than 300,000 women in the U.S. will likely receive a breast cancer diagnosis. They will join the nearly 4 million American women currently receiving treatment or who have been treated previously for this disease.
Fortunately, these women are not alone in their fights, and there is support.
National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) partners closely with those affected by breast cancer, offering hope and help to both patients and partners. NBCF’s educational tools and community outreaches increase the chances of early detection for those who lack access to healthcare.
For these reasons and many more, we are proud supporters of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ® (NBCF). As we celebrate and honor Pink Month for breast cancer awareness, we are excited to introduce you to this amazing organization and show how you can help support its work too.
What is National Breast Cancer Foundation?
The National Breast Cancer Foundation is an organization that focuses on those affected by breast cancer and Helping Women Now. Over the past 30 years, it has served millions of women through support services, early detection, and education.
The organization was founded in 1991, but its story began in 1980 when 34-year-old Janelle Hail was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, there were minimal resources available to women who wanted to understand this disease and their treatment options. Janelle was lucky to find the lump herself. Few women even knew how to detect breast cancer or went to regular checkups. She had to rely completely on her doctor for any knowledge about her prognosis and what was best for her health.
After beating cancer and undergoing a mastectomy, Janelle decided to help other women avoid similar or worse experiences. She spent 11 years learning how to best serve women who needed her help. Then, she started National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Over the last 30 years, NBCF has become an internationally respected breast cancer organization. It has grown into a network of people committed to walking beside women suffering one of the worst experiences imaginable. With its support and care, these women receive the help and hope they need, exactly when it matters most.
How does National Breast Cancer Foundation help?
There are three primary ways that NBCF serves those affected by breast cancer: early detection services, education, and personal support before, during, and after getting a potential diagnosis.
Early detection services
Until we find a cure, early detection offers the highest chance of survival. If detected in the localized stage, women have a 5-year relative survival rate of 99 percent.
Unfortunately, many women don’t have access to life-saving tests, such as mammograms and biopsies. NBCF addresses this need by funding free diagnostic services and breast screenings across the nation, including:
- Biopsies
- CAD (computer-aided detection)
- Clinical breast exams
- Diagnostic mammograms
- Screening mammograms
- Tomosynthesis (3D mammograms)
- Ultrasounds
It has created a network of medical facilities to catch and treat cancer for women who might not have the resources to do so on their own, giving them a better shot at beating their illness.
Education
For many women, including Janelle, self-exams and education can make the difference between more effective treatments and a potentially fatal diagnosis.
NBCF gives more women this hope by providing in-depth information about the risk of breast cancer and how women can be proactive about their breast health. Along with identifying common signs of breast cancer, it offers tips for building habits that promote better health. With this education, women can find and fight cancer before it grows into a greater threat.
Personal support
During diagnosis and treatment, women need more support than ever. NBCF offers a variety of programs that offer hope in the midst of suffering. These programs include:
- Patient Navigation, which helps patients understand and navigate the cancer care system.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats, special weekend retreats to bring inclusivity, knowledge, and preparation for what lies ahead to women with metastatic cancer.
- HOPE Kits bring comfort and encouragement to patients through small items such as fuzzy socks, lip balm, tea, and educational resources.
No one should have to go through a cancer battle alone and unprepared. NBCF ensures these women don’t have to.
How you can support National Breast Cancer Foundation
NBCF offers many ways to get involved, including volunteering, donating financially, and joining the many events it holds with its supporters.
In May 2021, for example, The Flare Account® ran a HOPE Kit Giveaway to encourage 95 women currently undergoing breast cancer treatment. These women, many of whom were facing additional hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, were nominated by their loved ones for a special HOPE Kit surprise.
Open a Flare Account®1 & Choose the Flare Account Pink Debit Card2
The Flare Account also offers an easy way to support NBCF with your daily purchases. When you join, you can use our Flare Account Pink Debit Card.2 With this card, a donation is made when you use your debit card for purchases. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything! You can use your everyday purchases to make a lifelong difference for women in need.
The Flare Account also offers Direct Deposit, a mobile banking app, and many more convenient benefits. You can enjoy a better alternative to banking, plus the option to choose a Charity Debit Card and give back when you use the debit card.
NBCF has been changing and saving lives for 30 years, and they still have so much left to do. Open your Flare Account to start supporting their mission today!
