Why Does Breast Cancer Get Its Own Month?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but why has the topic of breast cancer been given its own 31 days since 1985?

For one thing, it’s the most prevalent cancer in the world. It’s the most common type in the United States, with 300,590 new cases expected in 2023, according to the National Cancer Institute.

While breast cancer has the highest occurrence among cancers, it’s considered among the most treatable. And with Watco’s help, team members can take aim at some of the top risk factors for breast cancer: being inactive, overweight, or a smoker.

• Participants in Watco’s health plan can pair up with a certified health coach using My Health NovelSM offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. To get started, log into My Health Toolkit® and complete a short assessment.

• Team members on Watco’s health plan can use Blue 365 to take advantage of fitness-related discounts (such as gym memberships, fitness trackers, and home gym equipment) provided through Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

• Watco team members have access to more than 200 dietitian-reviewed recipes and health videos through the company’s Team Member Assistance Program provider, New Directions. Use the company code Watco.

• Team members enrolled in a Watco health plan who want to stop smoking can find support by visiting Quit for Life® or calling (866) 794-8454.

One final tip about reducing the chances of breast cancer: Avoid alcohol, or at least limit drinking to no more than one alcoholic drink a day. That’s 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of hard liquor.