MIAMI – It is said that in Miami, there is a party to celebrate when there is going to be a party and then there is an even bigger party to celebrate that there was a party.

During breast cancer awareness month, plenty of pink is expected on nightclub invitations featuring sexy women for the 20-something crowd. Event organizers will be hosting parties after marathons and 5-K events for healthy young professionals. There will be fundraising dinners and elegant galas galore.

Some will host dinner parties for the breast cancer survivors and their families. Others will host reunions. If survivors and patients are expected at any of these events, there are some sensitivities that hosts may want to consider.

Here are the top ten tips from breast cancer survivors and fighters:

1. Do not use the shape of a breast on food or decorations

"It's kind of a slap in the face, because most of us no longer have these parts," breast cancer survivor Lisa Grey, of the Pink Kitchen blog, said.

While the theme on the food and drinks amuses party-goers, survivors and patients may view the presentation as insensitive and distasteful. Cancer is devastating to a woman's body image and sense of femininity, Grey said.

Other festive themes that may be less risky include motivational quotes, a salmon pink flower tea party, having breast cancer themed manicures and a boxing ring fighting theme.

2. Offer alcohol-free options for drinks

Research shows frequent consumption of alcohol can increase the risk for breast cancer, The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports. Also consider that many survivors avoid sugary drinks all together, because being overweight or obese can increase the risk for breast cancer.

A juice bar may be a dream come true for some survivors. Serving a healthy, specialty concoction may be fun.  The Juice Recipes website suggests a mix of lemon, tomato and watermelon.

3. Offer healthy options on the menu

Diets rich in meat and dairy products, fried foods, and vegetable oils cause a woman's body to create more estrogen, a growth hormone that some cancer cells feed on. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine encourages survivors to follow a low-fat and plant-based diet.

Keep in mind some survivors who choose to follow a strict diet avoid cookies, cakes and cupcakes all together. Try to keep the appetizers simple, so people don't have to try to figure out what's in them.

If possible, ask ahead of time if there are any meal preferences. And if there will be any guests, who are undergoing chemotherapy and are suffering with mouth blisters, offer them ice pops.

4. Give educational party favors

"I have seen it all -- bracelets, ribbons, bubble gum, glasses, pendants," said Carolina Valderrama, 26, whose mother died of breast cancer. "None of it makes any sense. Frankly, it's a waste of money."

Some of Valderrama's ideas include self-exam guides, one-day passes to a local gym, a pass to a yoga class and a mood diary that "can help people suffering deal with being angry, sad or afraid," she said.

If patients are at the party, products to help with the side-effects of treatment may be helpful. Some of them include alcohol free aloe gel, scarves and natural relaxing aromatherapy.

5. Connect survivors with patients

Breast cancer survivors can offer support to a newly diagnosed patient, so keep that in mind if you have a seating chart. Even if they have never met before, their bond will likely be immediate.

6. Avoid an outdoor location

Breast cancer patients sometimes have to deal with sensitivity to the sun even years after undergoing treatment. Patients dealing with hair loss have to wear wigs that are uncomfortable outdoors.  A cool temperature in-doors is a safe bet.

7. Offer a relaxing seating area

Some breast cancer patients and survivors have to cope with tiredness and sometimes even exhaustion. A cocktail party with high tables and no areas to sit and rest may cause some of them to have to leave early.

8. Raising $ to help a patient or for medical research can be fun

Have your guests bring valuable unwanted items or jewelry and create an impromptu boutique. Hosts can charge players to participate in games and raffles. Pink dress-up competitions may be fun for Halloween. Find an attractive volunteer to auction a date with them. 

ON THE WEB  | Fundraising ideas on Pinterest

9. Turn your October birthday into a fundraiser

If your birthday is in October, you can ask your circle of friends and family that in lieu of gifts, they donate to the account of a patient in need on the web, or to an organization of your choosing. You can celebrate your life by helping to save someone else's life.

10. Avoid associating events to campaigns that you haven't researched

"Pinkwashers" engage in "pinkwashing" by using the breast cancer awareness month campaign to raise revenue and not awareness or money for research. Beware of frivolous marketers and products that include ingredients that are bad for your guests' health. Make sure that the cause you are supporting is legitimate.