Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Don that pink ribbon and get involved in a variety of ways and work toward prevention and early detection as well as a cure. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here to offer plenty of opportunities to observe, raise awareness and even celebrate! 

History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The first Breast Cancer Awareness Month was celebrated in October of 1985, as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries (now AstraZeneca), who produces drugs to fight breast cancer.

The day was originally founded simply as a reminder for women to get breast cancer screenings and mammograms, at a time when the conversation about breast cancer was often hushed and kept quiet. But Breast Cancer Awareness Month has now expanded to include various other aspects such as raising finances, addressing treatment and promoting research toward a cure.

The New York based charity Pink Ribbon Inc. now promotes Breast Cancer Awareness Month where like-minded, affiliated international groups participate in fundraising using the pink ribbon motif. Sponsors are encouraged to use the pink theme and it’s not unusual to see municipal fountains gushing with suitably colored displays.

Since the adoption of wearing a pink ribbon by breast cancer survivors running in the 1990 New York marathon, and the subsequent formation of a charity which aims to give 90% of the money it raises to the support of scientific research and public awareness of the disease, millions of dollars have been donated to find a cure for breast cancer.

As the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month grows in popularity, events and activities can be found in towns, cities and countries all over the world, showing support for those who have breast cancer while working toward a cure.

In the UK, a recent campaign saw English media presenter and celebrity, Chris Evans, offering a pink Rolls-Royce Ghost for hire by the day anywhere in the country, complete with chauffeur and champagne, with the entire hire fee of over £5,000 being donated to the charity!

How to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This is a great time to show support for those who have fought breast cancer, and also work toward prevention and eventually a cure. Observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month with some of these plans or ideas:

Host a Breast Cancer Awareness Event

One superb way to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month might be to work together with some others to host an event. In addition to acting as an encouragement to remind women to get their regular breast cancer screenings, it’s also a good time to raise support for the cause with some fund-raising activities in the community. From concerts and festivals, to bake-offs and auctions, so many creative ways are available for people to make a big deal out of the month of October in support of breast cancer awareness.

Attend a Breast Cancer Awareness Event

One of the biggest types of fund-raising events that many folks participate in on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a walk or run “for the cure”. Many larger cities will host a 5K, 10K or even mini-marathons where participants have sponsors who help them to make their goal of raising funds.

Join in on the fun by being a runner, or simply by sponsoring someone who is and then attending the race to cheer them on. Another option is to sign up to be a volunteer for an event, whether passing out water bottles or working the registration table. It’s an ideal time to engage with the community for a good cause!

Get a Breast Cancer Screening

One of the factors that determines whether a case of breast cancer will be curable is early detection. And one of the original reasons for hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Month was to encourage women to be sure to take care of themselves by having a mammogram. So this month, take the opportunity to make that appointment for a mammogram. In addition, women should always be sure to do their own self breast exams each month, and report any unusual findings to their doctor right away.