Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to help raise awareness of breast cancer, educate the public about its symptoms and prevention, and fund research into its causes, treatment, and cure. It is not only celebrated in the United States but is internationally recognized as a time to promote education around breast cancer. For those who have been affected by or survived breast cancer, it can also be a time to reflect, honor those who were lost, and celebrate those who have survived.
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs the entire month of October. There are several events, such as social media campaigns, races, or walking events, that take place across the country throughout the month.
When did Breast Cancer Awareness Month start?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985, through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries, which has since become part of AstraZeneca, a producer of breast cancer drugs. It was originally created as a way to encourage women to get regular mammograms, but has since expanded to address treatment, research, and funding.
Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Month important?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important because it increases awareness of the disease and raises funds for research of its cause, treatments, and cure.
One aspect of awareness is public education. Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaigns help teach the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and ways of prevention, including how to perform a self-exam, how to access proper screening, and the importance of regular mammograms. The month also highlights new, effective treatment options and surgeries for those affected by breast cancer, including options that are in development or that may not be widely known otherwise.
A huge goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is fundraising for research. Through races, walks, social media campaigns, and other events throughout the month, researchers gain more funding to continue to develop the new therapies and targeted treatments that have improved outcomes, helped drive the mortality rate down over the years, and given hope to patients facing the disease.
Most importantly, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to show support and solidarity for those affected by breast cancer and celebrate the survivors who fought the disease.
Is there a Breast Cancer Awareness Day?
While the entire month of October is dedicated to raising awareness around Breast Cancer, October 13 is recognized in the United States as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. This day seeks to raise awareness around the challenges that people with metastatic breast cancer face. For some breast cancer patients, even if their cancer is caught early, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body, or metastasize.
What can you do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Whether donating, volunteering, or fundraising, there are several ways to get involved throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Wear pink: Many schools or workplaces may have a “Wear Pink” day to encourage people to wear as much pink as they can in their outfits to bring awareness and get people talking. Even just wearing a pink ribbon can start an important conversation.
