Cancer Awareness Month 2014

It's Cancer Awareness Month

I know far too many people, loved ones included, who are fighting cancer or are in remission from the disease. In lieu of the sudden and recent craze over the #nomakeupselfie taking Twitter and Facebook by storm these past couple of days, I felt that it should be mentioned that, while it is not the campaign of Cancer Research UK, I do believe that any form of awareness of living with cancer and just knowing about the different types of the disease that are out there is a positive idea, also the sentiment behind this craze will, in some small way, work to promote Cancer Awareness (despite the obvious overtones of promoting one’s own self importance). Did you know that the no make-up selfie meme started out as a simple gesture with no apparent substance behind it other than a hashtag of 'beat cancer.'

Full Support: The #nomakeupselfie #cancerawareness trend has taken social media by storm but it is not campaigned by Cancer Research UK.

A Missed Point?

Are we missing the point? I think the big message behind this social media movement is that many people end up posting their selfies and are failing to donate, which let’s face it is the important factor in aiding and furthering the development of scientific research behind finding the best kinds of treatment and hopefully one day a cure for cancer.

Selfie Support: Cancer Research UK supports the gestures but urge you to donate just £3.

Some might argue that any form of awareness counts and it’s the taking part that matters. True, I say with an achingly reluctant nod. And while these things help, we still have to keep moving forward and make these little overtures actually matter - every donation helps, big or small and yes, it really is all about raising awareness. So, while posting your selfies are great and all, let us not miss the point and please donate what you can. Remember, there are so many ways we can help, such as fundraising with your local charity, sponsored charity runs or even by simply donating unwanted clothes or household items to participating organisations. It doesn't always have to be about the money.

Check out your local TK Maxx outlets who are now the biggest corporate funder of research into children’s cancer since they established a partnership with Cancer Research UK in 2004. Pick up your donation bags and fill them with all your items and just drop it off at the store. Give up your clothes for good and proceeds will help beat children’s cancer and help those living with the disease.

It's Not Always About Money: But you do have to part with some things for a good cause. We've already donated three massive bags.

If there was ever anything truly worthwhile to come from social media outlets, then let this be one of those causes that garner attention for all the right reasons. So, post your selfies proudly but make them count for something other than a self serving agenda and put substance behind what has the potential to be an incredibly noble gesture.

What types of cancer do you know of that people have died from, or are battling and have survived (in remission)?

Here’s my Cancer Circle:

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma +1
• Eye Cancer +2
• Prostate Cancer +1
• Lung Cancer +1

• Bowel Cancer +1
• Breast Cancer +2
• Leukaemia +1

What’s yours?

Do your part, whatever it may be and help support, promote and share in Cancer Awareness Month. Donate a mere £3 to Cancer Research UK by texting BEAT to 70099

Cancer Research UK: https://twitter.com/CR_UK

Trending: To help beat cancer sooner, donate to worthwhile research. #nomakeupselfie