Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month recognizes those who have lost, survived, or are currently fighting the battle of breast cancer. | Photo via Pexels
1 in 8. Thatās the number of women in the US who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. This year alone, over 297,000 American women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
But, some good news: If caught and treated early, the five-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%, according to the 2023 SEER database.
And to increase the likelihood that women will detect breast cancer earlier, there are new guidelines for breast cancer screenings.
Studies show that the rate of younger women developing breast cancer has increased 1% annually since 2009, with the last four years increasing 2% per year.
In case you havenāt heard, most medical organizations no longer advocate for routine self-conducted breast exams.
That doesnāt mean you should rule out self-breast checks, though.
Instead, medical professionals recommend a focus on regular ābreast awarenessā (think: paying attention to any new lumps, moles, or skin discolorations).
If you find something abnormal, talk to your doctor right away. And, if you meet the above criteria, it may be time to schedule a mammogram.
Deets: Roper St. Francis Healthcare breast specialists will be offering free clinical breast exams for individuals 18+ who have not had a breast exam in the past 12 months and who are uninsured or underinsured.
As we all adapt to the post-pandemic world, weāre curious to know ā how has your approach to sanitization evolved? Are you still waging a full-scale war against germs or have you adopted a more ālive and let liveā philosophy? Let us know
A.Cleaner than a surgeonās scalpel ā I sanitize my hands so frequently that Iām single-handedly keeping the hand sanitizer industry afloat. B.Spritz and Go ā Iāve got a mini sanitizer spray for a quick shot here and there, keeping it casual but squeaky clean. C.Old Habits Die Hard ā I sometimes catch myself reaching for the sanitizer, but itās more of a nostalgic gesture now. D.Natureās Immunity Booster ā Iāve relaxed a bit; a few germs here and there never hurt anybody, right? Building the immune system, the natural way. E.Germsā Best Friend āSanitize? Oh, you mean that thing we did back in 2020? Nah, Iāve reverted to my pre-pandemic handshake with germs.
Members Yoga at the Aquarium | Saturday, September 30 | 8-8:50 a.m. | South Carolina Aquarium | $8, members-only | South Carolina Aquarium members are invited to unwind + destress with a peaceful one-hour yoga class held in front of the Great Ocean Tank.
Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K | Saturday, October 7 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Rd., Johns Island | $38-$55 | Registration is open for this trail race among the mossy oaks + fall foliage at Johns Island County Park.
Top Rope Climbing for Beginners | Sunday, October 8 | 1-2:30 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. | $20 | Learn the basics of top rope belaying and practice with a partner on the rock climbing wall at James Island County Park.
Outdoors
Bulls Island Paddle + Hike | Sunday, October 1, 15, and 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Garris Landing, 498 Bulls Island Rd., Awendaw | $145 | Explore Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge with a guided sea kayak tour, an island hike, and a boat cruise through the salt marsh.
Lowcountry Ecology Tour | Saturday, October 28 | 10-11:30 a.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. | $25-$40 | Take a nature walk through The Charleston Museumās Dill Sanctuary with Natural History Curator Matthew Gibson to learn about the ecological diversity of the Lowcountry.
Older Adults
Archery for Seniors | Tuesday, October 3 | 1-3 p.m. | James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr. | $20 | The Lowcountry Senior Center invites adults 50+ to learn the basics of archery and have some fun shooting arrows outdoors.
Family
5th Annual Pink Promenade for Breast Cancer Awareness | Saturday, October 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Towne Center, 1218 Belk Dr., Mount Pleasant | $40 | A ticketed fundraiser event featuring a runway fashion show, brunch nibbles + drinks, and live performances, with proceeds benefiting the Roper St. Francis Foundation Breast Cancer Program.
Wee Wild Ones: Pumpkins in the Park | Friday, October 27 | 10 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel | $10 | A fun + festive way for kids ages 6 and under to learn about plants through hands-on activities, games, pumpkin decorating, and more.
Health
Free Breast Cancer Screening | Thursday, October 12 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Roper St. Francis Breast Care, Medical Plaza, 2145 Henry Tecklenburg Dr., West Ashley | Free | Roper St. Francis Healthcare breast specialists will offer clinical breast exams to uninsured or underinsured individuals ages 18+ who have not had a breast exam in the last 12 months (register in advance).
A new cafe + market is open in Park Circle. Odd Duck Market brings a breakfast and lunch menu featuring made-from-scratch salads and sandwiches, plus grab-and-go items and local provisions to the North Charleston area. (The Post and Courier)
Pets
Did you know? Overall, dog owners tend to live longer than non-owners. Your chance to make a new four-legged (and human) friend is on Saturday, October 21 at the Fall 2023 Golden Retriever Meet-Up. Check out the event for opportunities to adopt, foster, and volunteer with a local golden retriever rescue.
Environment
If you want to āgo greenā but you arenāt sure where to start, this is for you. These local businesses provide eco-conscious products and services (think: compost collection + zero-waste household goods) to help pave the way towards a more sustainable Charleston.
Holiday
Nothing is scarier than feeling like your childās health or safety is in danger. Ahead of Halloween and in recognition of National Childrenās Health Month this October, plan ahead for trick-or-treat season with these Halloween safety tips for kids.
Fact or Fiction
Heat from a warm compress can treat an earache. Do you think this old wives tale is Fact or Fiction? Find out.
Stat
30%. The percentage of you, our readers, that said Birkenstocks are your go-to summer sandal in last monthās poll. In case you missed it, see how shoes like Birks rank in the best warm-weather shoes for foot health.
Health
Whatās the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy? While sharing the same goal of improving a personās functional ability and quality of life, the two therapies treat different things ā learn whatās what.
