The Power of Pink: Unveiling the History and Impact of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is here and that means Breast Cancer Awareness Month has arrived. And that got me thinking, how did this month in the Fall become associated with pink and the fight against breast cancer? But first, let’s start with what Breast Cancer Awareness Month is.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

An worldwide health campaign known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October. The illness affects 2.3 million women globally, and the month-long campaign seeks to raise awareness of screening and prevention. The month, which is most recognized for its pink theme color, is dedicated to a number of campaigns and programs run by various organizations, from major retailers to local community organizations to breast cancer advocacy groups. These programs and campaigns aim to: raise awareness about breast cancer risk factors; encourage women to get regular breast cancer screenings beginning at age 40 or earlier, depending on their individual risk; and support people with breast cancer, including those who have metastasized; and support breast cancer research.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13)

In the United States, October 13 is honored as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Breast cancer that spreads to other regions of the body, or metastatic breast cancer, is thought to affect about 168,000 women in the United States. About 30% of breast tumors that are detected in their early stages are thought to spread. The purpose of the day, which was instituted in 2009, is to raise public awareness of the need for increased funding for research on metastatic breast cancer and the creation of fresh therapies for the disease.

Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17–23)

Breast cancer affects men as well, despite being far more frequent in women. President Joe Biden proclaimed October 17–October 23 to be Men's Breast Cancer Awareness Week in 2021. In 2024, 2,790 males in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis, and 530 of those men are anticipated to pass away from the illness, according to the American Cancer Society. However, in the case of males, trans men, and non-binary persons, ignorance and stigma may act as obstacles to diagnosis and treatment.

What’s the History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

In 1985, the American Cancer Society organized a week-long awareness campaign in collaboration with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British business that produced tamoxifen. Eventually, the campaign expanded to become a month-long occasion.

Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of Estée Lauder and a breast cancer survivor, and Alexandra Penney, Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine, collaborated to distribute pink ribbons following the publication of the magazine's second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue in 1992, which marked the introduction of the pink ribbon.

In an effort to spread awareness that no two women with breast cancer are the same, additional pink ribbon varieties have surfaced in recent years. These include awareness ribbons for males with breast cancer, breast cancer metastases, inflammatory breast cancer, and other topics.

How can we do during Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Focus on support rather than awareness

When picking a charity, make sure its focus is on support rather than awareness. Support comes in many forms, from providing makeup classes, gas cards, and wigs to exercise classes and even full treatment payment. All these things can help a person with breast cancer through a trying time, emotionally and physically. You can also reach out to resources in your area, as many local organizations directly support those in need but don’t have a national presence. A social worker or care navigator at a hospital or nearby clinic can help you identify local resources.

Donate to research initiative

Research is critical. Globally, metastatic breast cancer receives much less funding than early stage breast cancer, even though it has a much lower survival rate than breast cancer that’s less advanced. Most of the charitable money goes to basic research with little clinical application. So, when you’re looking for charities to donate to, it’s important to find ones trying to get an actual cure to people living with breast cancer and not just giving lip service to the idea of “awareness.”

Wearing pink to participate in sports activities

Throughout October, participating in events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure allows you to show your support for breast cancer awareness while raising funds for charity. Forming a team and wearing custom pink ribbon apparel can enhance your impact. Wearing pink ribbon clothing is a powerful way to demonstrate solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness in a stylish and meaningful way.

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Empower Your Support with Fansidea

At Fansidea, we are a leading custom jerseys and apparel maker dedicated to helping individuals and teams express their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style. With a wide range of customizable options, Fansidea allows you to design personalized pink ribbon jerseys, polos, and t-shirts that not only symbolize your commitment to the cause but also raise awareness in your community. Whether you're participating in a charity run, attending an awareness event, or simply showing your support throughout October, Fansidea’s high-quality, customized apparel empowers you to make a meaningful impact while standing in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.