Gift Giving for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

Did you know that each year, 182,000 women areChicken Soup for the Surviving Soul: 101 Stories of
diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die? OneCourage and Inspiration from Those Who Have
woman in eight either has or will develop breastSurvived Cancer.
cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will beDon't forget a nice teddy bear they can hug, and a
diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die thisCD of soft, comforting, music.
year.Some cancer patients develop sensitivity to
The above statistics are scary to say the least. Iffragrance, so please stay away from scented items.
you have loved ones or friends that have beenAgain, remember that at times, all they need is to
diagnosed with breast cancer, I am sure you've oftenhave someone to talk to, or hold their hand: be there
wondered what, if anything, you can do to helpfor them!
them.For your information:
Here are some gifts that are appropriate for cancerIf detected early, the five-year survival rate for
patients, and their families to give encouragement,breast cancer exceeds 95%. Mammograms are
and support.among the best early detection methods, yet 13
Probably one of the most important gifts you canmillion U.S. women 40 years of age or older have
offer, is the gift of your time: time to listen, and timenever had a mammogram.
to be with them as they accept the fact that theyDon't miss your mammogram this year. Several
have cancer, and go through their treatment.national organizations will have a list of the facilities
A small journal is another idea: they can put on paperthat participate in National Mammography Day. To
their thoughts, their struggles, and theirfind a place near you, call:
accomplishments as they fight this battle.American Cancer Society
A book of inspiring, encouraging words will do1-800-ACS-2345
wonders for their soul. One suggestion would beThe Susan G.