Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to taking control of your health. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and now more than ever, we realize the importance of doing what we can to stay healthy and safe. Approximately 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. If you or someone you know has breast cancer, it’s crucial to be informed and know that there is a supportive community filled with many organizations and people dedicated to help you on your journey.
What is breast cancer awareness month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual campaign organized by breast cancer charities to increase awareness around breast cancer and raise funds for research. The money raised goes toward advances in screening, detection and treatment. Your donation can support anything from funding a mammogram to helping women in underserved communities. Along with making a donation, there are many ways you can help. You can spread the word about BCAM on social media, wear a pink ribbon or volunteer at a fundraising event to show your support.
Why is October breast cancer awareness month?
The campaign was founded in 1985 in October as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries (maker of anti-breast cancer drugs). The original purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was to promote mammography as an effective tool to combat breast cancer. In the years that followed, the campaign has evolved and expanded. Medical organizations and nonprofits work with survivors during the month of October on fundraising initiatives and educating people on early detection methods.
What is the purpose of breast cancer awareness month?
As one of the most common cancers, breast cancer is a disease that affects both men and women. The good news is that you can survive breast cancer if it is detected early enough. Education is empowering and that’s why raising awareness is essential. The more people who take control of their breast cancer health and support those in need, the more lives can be saved. Along with teaching more people about breast cancer and raising money for research, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about supporting those affected by breast cancer. It’s a time for breast cancer patients, survivors and their families to come together and be part of a growing community, one that’s a source of strength and connection. Unfortunately, many women are unable to afford mammograms and diagnostic services. The funding can help those who are uninsured and have low incomes.
Why do we wear pink for breast cancer?
The story of the pink ribbon began with Charlotte Hayley, a woman who battled breast cancer, who attached peach-colored breast cancer awareness ribbons to cards that reads: “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is 1.8 billion US dollars, and only 5 percent goes to cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.” Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Cosmetics and Alexander Penney, the editor-in-chief of Self Magazine liked Hayley’s idea and decided to use it for their breast cancer awareness promotion. Lauder, Penney, and Hayley collaborated to create the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer awareness. In 1991, the first pink ribbons were handed out by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. They were given to participants in their Race for a Cure for breast cancer survivors. Along with wearing a pink ribbon, the color pink is also associated with breast cancer awareness. October 22 is the official “Wear It Pink” day.
What is the official breast cancer day?
National Mammography Day is celebrated on the third Friday of October every year, and it was created to help encourage women to get their yearly mammogram. Next, read about these celebrity breast cancer survivors. Sources:
Breastcancer.org: “U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics”National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc: “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”
