Girl Scout BC Awareness Patch

I put together this information to share with Amanda's Girl Scout Troop. They will be earning a Breast Cancer Awareness Patch for the back of their vests. I think it is wonderful that the Girl Scouts organization offers this patch. We'll have a Q&A with the questions I've prepared, then we'll make pillows for the Breast Cancer Resource Center in Tacoma. This is a great group of girls (and moms) and I am happy to be able to do this with them.

What’s with all the PINK?

October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. You may have heard about special events, like walks or races, to raise money for breast cancer research. Or maybe you've seen people wear those little pink ribbons on their clothes.

Is there a Breast Cancer Awareness Patch?

Yes, today we will complete the requirements for the patch.

I’m only a young girl, why is this important to me?

Breast cancer is a common cancer among women. It doesn't affect young girls or teens. But girls might want to learn about it because they know someone who has it or because they want to learn how to check for it when they are older.

Does Breast Cancer have a special significance for all Girl Scouts?

Yes, not only because we are female, but also because our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, died from it. Today, modern medical advances make detecting and treating breast cancer a lot easier than it was back in 1927.

Who is at risk for breast cancer?

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Many breast cancers may be curable if they are found early. Young girls and teenagers can’t get breast cancer. It’s always okay to ask your mom or doctor questions about your body as you change and grow.

Do you know anyone with breast cancer?

Amanda’s mom has breast cancer. She gets special medicine called chemotherapy and had surgery to make the cancer go away. Many of us may know aunts, grandmas or our mom’s friends who have had breast cancer.

Why should Girl Scout troops learn about breast cancer?

Since we don’t know what causes breast cancer or how to prevent it, the best protection is to detect it as early as possible. Girl Scouts can help remind their mom and other women they love about the importance of yearly mammograms and monthly self examinations. (A mammogram is very similar to an x-ray of the breast. Women should get their first mammogram by the age of 40. A self examination is a way to check for changes in breast tissue).

Is family history important?

Family history is very important. Each girl will receive a form “Family Medical History”, to write down their significant health risks, such as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer and other important health factors. This is for the girls’ information only and does not need to be shared with the group. It can be completed at home.

Can we do a service project?

Today we will make pillows for the Breast Cancer Resource Center in Tacoma. The pillows will be given to women who are going through breast cancer treatment or who have recently had surgery. The pillows will help make wearing a seat belt or resting more comfortable.

What are some other things we can do to help out?

You might consider sharing your knowledge with your mom, older sisters, aunts, grandmothers or neighbors and friends. Materials can be obtained from the American Cancer Society. You could help out with the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” or Breast Cancer Awareness Run/Walk in your community or area. Girls can help with mailings, serve refreshments to participants, help with set up or clean up, distribute brochures and flyers, make signs or banners and much more. Contact the Seattle American Cancer Society office (http://www.cancer.org/ or 206-283-1152) for the dates and locations of events near you.