Started as a campaign to encourage women to schedule mammograms, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been celebrated every October since 1985. Today, it’s grown into a global opportunity to move from awareness into action. It’s more than just wearing a pink ribbon; National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is our chance to join in community activities to educate people about preventative measures and honor those we’ve lost to the disease.
You likely know someone diagnosed with breast cancer if you haven’t been affected personally. About one in eight women and one in 1000 men in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
While there is no sure way to prevent cancer, there are ways to lower your risks. Some risk factors are outside of your control, like your gender or age, but you can make certain lifestyle changes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control advises you to limit the alcohol you drink, maintain a healthy weight, and get physically active. Eating a healthy diet, rich in plant-based foods, and drinking lots of water can also decrease your risk of some types of cancer.
Performing self-examinations and scheduling regular mammograms are good ways to monitor breast health. The American College of Radiology recommends that women start getting annual mammograms at age 40. For men, it’s important to look for any signs or symptoms, including swelling, skin dimpling, or redness, and to contact their doctor for testing.
For those diagnosed with cancer, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is a leading cancer center and incredible community resource. Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt is ranked as the 11th cancer hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in the state of Florida.
In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes and regular screening, we encourage you to support reputable nonprofit organizations, like the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Foundation, and to participate in their local fundraising events. Every year, the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Foundation hosts “Miles for Moffit” to raise funds for life-saving cancer research. This year’s event takes place both virtually and in downtown Tampa on November 20, 2021.
The Cancer Society also holds annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” events across the nation. You can find more information about local events – or other ways to contribute to the cause online.
If you’re contributing to a local event, visiting Moffitt for treatment, or supporting a loved one with breast cancer, we are here for you. As a family-owned and operated business, the team at Kong Vacation Homes works every day to offer you exceptional customer service and a safe, clean place to stay.
Two of our Kong Vacation Homes, the Sun Villa and the USF Hideaway, are located in the University of South Florida area, in very close proximity to Moffitt. Here is what one guest had to say:
“Great location, great host and very clean and inviting home. We were not on vacation but had to be near Moffitt Cancer Center. This was home away from home where we could all be together as a family. Host has very thoughtful and nice touches. Will definitely stay here if we ever have to return to this area.” – Kathryn, a guest at our Sun Villa property
With both short- and long-term rentals available we offer sanitized, spacious, and private single-family accommodations. We consider our guests to be an extension of our family, and our property managers are standing by to make sure you have all of the comforts of home, especially while undergoing cancer treatment. If you’d like more information about our rental homes or what we are doing to give back to the community, please call 866-499-9026 or email info@kongmanagementgroup.com.