October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is a great time to support your community and help increase awareness. We have a high percentage of female clients. and our industry tends to be dominated by women. Many have encountered breast cancer or know someone who has.

Here are a few stastics you may or may not know

1. In 2020, they expect 276,480 cases of invaseive breast cancer.

2. They expect an additional 48,530 cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

3. Breast cancer also strikes men and they expect 2620 cases this year.

4. One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their life.

5. How does my state rank for breastcancer? You can check out the US Cancer Stastics report HERE.

Show support and Give Clients a Lift

Right now, with all the crazy stress of the coronavirus, wild weather and politics people need a positive in their lives.

Your work is a big positive for them. So can the ambiance in your salon and how you support national and local women touched by Cancer.

Here are eight inexpensive ways to help raise awareness in your clinic… and elevate the “fun” level too.

1. Hang a pink ribbon...or make it two or three. Maybe at your work station, maybe at the door. Many salons are keeping thei reception areas closed due to coronavirus restrictions...no worries, Turn your entry into a fun breast cancer focal point.
2. Wear a pink ribbon. Hand out pink ribbons to your staff. Not crafty? There are lots on the internet. Have everyone wear a pink ribbon when they work. It will be a conversationstarter and a reminder to share.
3. Art Your Bra - Gather up some bras to bedazzle, the fancier the better. Offer them at a live or virtual auction either on your own or with your local breast cancer charity. If a client or staff member is fighting breast cancer they could receive the proceeds. Or let your local charity handle putting the fnds to use.
4. Pink Pumpkin Contest - this one is really good for staying social distanced during covid, cold and flu season. It could be fun to connect with your local chamber of commerce or TV station on this one. Have staff, friends and community create a Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkin. TIt doesn’t have to be in person…. Make it virtual…work with a local wether person and having her share the photos during weather broadcast and referencing a social page? Award ribbons to the most popular and be sure to tie in a way to donate to your local research or support group.
5. Flaunt Pink for Halloween - To slow the spread of viruses, they are recommending a non-traditional Haloween. Take it pink! Pink Pumpkins, Pink Ribbons, Let staff get creative with a pink uniform for the day, or designated days, and have a pink fund raiser. As an alternative to money, how about collecting scarves and hats to donate to your local support center?
6. Grow a Pink Tree - This can be very simple. Draw or print a simple tree that can be hung in the clinic and/or posted on social media. Cut out simple pink ribbons from construction paper. For every donation that staff, clients or friends make, add another pink ribbon to your tree and watch your pink tree grow. Add periodic photos of your growing tree to social media.
7. Station Decoration - Have employees decorate their own work area in pink to celebrate the month. Have a jar and voting papers at the front desk so customers can vote - or set it up with photos of the stations so people can vote online. Be sure to include a link where they can donate if they wish.
8. Share Education - Have Breast Cancer Awareness flyers and information pamphlets available for staff and customers. Include a list of local resources for those who are facing this battle right now.

Sharing is Caring

How you choose to share will be based on a lot of things. But the one thing I have seen in my 30+ years in this industry is that we do care. When I faced and dealth with breast cancer, my colleagues were a huge support. You never know whose life you will touch next.

From all of us survivors...Thank you for caring and thank you for sharing..