About Us
Not Just October
Not just October, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was created to expand the knowledge and resources, available to breast cancer, patients, survivors, and their supporters. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of encouragement, advocacy, and total support. Through the promotion of education and community engagement, we hope to improve the awareness around breast, cancer, and its affect on families around the world.
Lavar Jacobs founded the organization in memory of his mother, Kim, who passed away in 2009 from breast cancer. His vision is to change the way that our communities think and talk about breast cancer and continue to stress the importance of regular health screenings.
Through frequent community, events and outreach programs, Not Just October continues to spread our message and garner support from people around the country. Whether supporters are donating a dollar or spending just an hour of their time helping to make a breast cancer patient's life just a little bit easier, their commitment is appreciated and helps to reinforce the ideals that NJO was founded upon. The organization continues to grow and gain more support across the nation, spreading the word that breast cancer is an issue worthy of attention all year around, not just in October.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and changes to the skin on the breast or nipple, such as dimpling. Other symptoms can include pain in the breast or nipple, discharge from the nipple, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit.
Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, increasing age, family history of the disease, certain genetic mutations, a history of previous breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions, exposure to estrogen, alcohol consumption, and obesity.
Diagnosis of breast cancer often starts with a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast. If an abnormality is detected, further tests such as an ultrasound, biopsy, or MRI may be performed to confirm the presence of cancer.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.