Health

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Events in Washington

From yoga to brunch to cruises, there are plenty of opportunities to support the fight against breast cancer this month in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

There are a number events in DC, Maryland, and Virginia celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photograph courtesy of Shutterstock.

So far in 2012, there have been 226,870 new female cases and 2,190 new male cases of breast cancer. And every year, the month of October is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease. From free cancer screenings to art exhibits to races, the following events are supporting the effort to end breast cancer this month.

Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors
Every Friday in October at 6:30 PM
Amy Dara Hochberg of Lil Omm Yoga offers a gentle yoga class specifically for women who are undergoing treatment or are in remission. The class focuses on breathing, stretching, balancing, and healing. A portion of the proceeds go to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. All levels are welcome.

Donations Accepted at Ruby Tuesday
October 3, 4, and 5
All Ruby Tuesday locations in the Washington metro area will donate 20 percent of your check to Making Strides DC. Find all participating locations on the flyer, which you need to present with your meal.

Free Breast Cancer Education Event
Saturday, October 6, at 9 AM
Virginia Hospital Center will host Ladies for Life, a free breast cancer awareness event focused on health, wellness, and breast cancer prevention. The event will include a healthy breakfast, exercise demonstrations, and a panel on breast health updates, nutrition, and prevention. Call 703-558-6848 or register online through Eventbrite.

Creating a “New Normal” Workshop
Thursday, October 11, at 7 PM
The Virginia Hospital Center will host a workshop for survivors that will discuss the special concerns that come with creating a “new normal” life post-treatment. Register by calling 703-558-0910

Brunch and Cruise for Breast Cancer Awareness
Saturday, October 13, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
The Go Pink Brunch for Breast Cancer Awareness includes brunch and a cruise along the Potomac—and special pink Champagne mimosas to boot. Tickets are $69.90 per person, and $12 from each ticket will be donated to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Call 800-250-3897 or visit the Odyssey Cruises website for more information.

Exhibit at Busboys and Poets for Breast Cancer
Tuesday, October 16, from 6 to 8 PM
Busboys and Poets in Shirlington is hosting an art exhibit dedicated to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month called Telling Intimate True Stories (TiTS). Local breast cancer survivors created castings of their breasts and wrote an essay to go along with it. All work is anonymous, but an artist reception will be held on Tuesday for free. The exhibit will remain on display for about six months.

Cancer Screening Day at GW Hospital
Friday, October 19, from 9 AM to 2 PM
George Washington University Hospital will host a cancer screening day at the Medical Faculty Associates Courtyard (22nd and I sts., NW). All are welcome to receive full-body skin screenings, prostate exams, lung function tests, and mammograms—free of charge. Note: Women who want a mammogram must schedule an appointment (202-741-3253) and be 40 or older.

Race to End Women’s Cancer
Saturday, November 3, at 9 AM
The National Race to End Women’s Cancer is an 8K run and one-mile walk. The race supports the fight to reduce the risk of reproductive cancers. The start and finish is at Freedom Plaza, located at Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street. Register at the Foundation for Women’s Cancer’s website ($40).

Know of a breast cancer awareness event in the Washington metro region that didn’t make this list? E-mail wellbeing@washingtonian.com or leave a comment.