Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is More Than Just Wearing Pink
By Kayla Marine
Every October, pink ribbons, pink clothing, and community events bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While wearing pink has become a symbol of support, the month represents much more than that. This month is about supporting those affected by breast cancer and helping others understand the importance of early detection.
According to Breastcancer.org, “The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries. The campaign eventually grew into a month-long event.” For the past 41 years, the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign has continued to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. When the campaign began, it mainly focused on educating women about screenings and mammograms. These campaigns used to be a weeklong event. Currently, they are monthlong events that organizations use for fundraising walks, educational events, and awareness campaigns to encourage women to get regular screenings and raise money for research to better support those affected by breast cancer. These campaigns have grown and expanded over time to encourage early detection and support those affected by breast cancer while their core purpose has remained the same. Every October, the campaign reminds us that support goes beyond simply wearing pink. Each pink symbol reminds us of survivors, those in treatment, those we have lost, and the many families affected by the disease.
Breast cancer screenings are an important tool for early detection because they can help identify breast cancer before symptoms appear. According to the American Cancer Society, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the US besides skin cancers. It accounts for about one in three new cancers in women each year.” These statistics show why it is important to keep spreading awareness and educating people about breast cancer because it affects many women. Raising awareness can help people understand their risk, recognize the importance of regular screenings, and seek medical attention when needed. Breast Cancer can affect women at any age, but the risk increases with age. Regular mammograms and timely medical follow-ups help with early detection, improve treatment outcomes, and support overall women’s health.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that awareness means more than wearing pink or pinning on ribbons; it means understanding the importance of early detection and supporting those whose lives have been affected by it. While wearing pink is one way to advocate, supporters should remember that this month is also about encouraging women to get screened, supporting those going through treatment, and standing with families that have been affected.
Kayla Marine is a junior at The City College of New York, pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. She loves spending her free time shopping, walking around the city, and going to Starbucks.
Comments