Each October, people across the country unite to raise awareness and support for the millions of people affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) reminds us that awareness is important—but it’s our actions that save lives.
by Jennifer Carr
October is about more than pink ribbons. While some feel inspired, many people living with breast cancer feel like the month-long campaign overlooks their experience with the disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a trigger — 31 days in the fall of pink-ribbon reminders of a disease that forever changed them. For others, it’s a chance to show their support for the more than 2 million women around the world who are diagnosed with the disease each year.1
Understanding the goals behind the global campaign and the emotions felt by the many different people living with the disease may help you decide if and how you want to commemorate the month.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.4 million women worldwide.1 Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:
- support people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with metastatic breast cancer
- educate people about breast cancer risk factors
- motivate people — including those who identify as women, men, non-binary, or trans — to learn about their risk of breast cancer
- encourage people to go for regular breast cancer screening — for women, regular scans begin at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer risk
- raise money for breast cancer research
In the month of October, there are also specific dates designed to raise awareness of specific groups within the breast cancer community.
For more information visit breastcancer.org
Donate NowCourtesy: breastcancer.org