Protect Our Breasts: Norwell’s Breast Cancer Awareness Club

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime? However, did you know that by avoiding certain products, you can significantly decrease your risk of being that 1 in 8? These statistics are pulled from one of the slideshows that was presented at a Protect Our Breasts meeting at Norwell High School. Protect Our Breasts is a large organization whose mission–as the name suggests–is to protect women from being diagnosed with breast cancer. Norwell has a chapter of the organization in the high school that meets monthly and discusses how each member can decrease their risk of breast cancer. Through slideshows and activities, people learn what ingredients and harmful chemicals to avoid in products; meeting attendants are also given suggestions for alternative items that are safer and will reduce their risk of breast cancer. In the past, the Norwell chapter has been sent some of these safer items to try out. During one meeting, club members got to taste test different flavors of Dr. Bronner’s Chocolate–a healthier, USDA organic alternative to Hersheys. During another meeting, each attendee received a bottle of chemical-free face wash. And during a lunch last December, the club handed out chapsticks from the brand Badger (all of which were gone within the first ten minutes). The chapter also distributed pink shoelaces to all of the fall sports teams in October 2023 to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Overall, the club strives to create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone to come together and talk about a difficult subject. Nowadays, with so many chemicals in everyday products, it is important to be aware of how to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe. If anyone wants to join, learn more about the club, or just talk, feel free to contact Sarah Walker at sarah.walker@students.norwellschools.org.