October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. This campaign is also set to offer information about the disease and to support those affected by breast cancer.
NBCAM was originally founded in 1985 in October by two groups; the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, which is now a part of AstraZeneca, a producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs. Originally, NBCAM had the goal to promote mammography as the leading weapon in the fight against breast cancer.
The pink ribbon officially became the symbol of breast cancer in 1993 by Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Companies. She founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and decided to establish the pink ribbon as its symbol. However, this ribbon was casually used by other people and foundations a few years prior. For example, in 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. While the pink ribbon is widely accepted, there are some critics behind it. This is mainly because some see the pink ribbon as a marketing tool instead of a symbol that should be taken very seriously. Many people think that the lavender ribbon, which is the ribbon for all cancers, should be spread more than the pink ribbon. But again, many people do support the pink ribbon and the awareness and support is has created.
There are several reasons why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is very important month. Mainly because one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Each year it is estimated that over 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. However, this not only affects women, but also men. Although it is quite rare, an estimated 2,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 440 will die each year.
Every single person’s support is important. No matter what one does or how they contribute, you can bet that those 2.8 million breast cancer survivors and the families of the victims of breast cancer appreciate everything you do to raise awareness. Think of this October as the perfect time to take a stand against breast cancer.