The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Read about the history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the story behind the pink ribbon, and ways that you can help in October!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and did you know breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects both men and women? In fact, about 1 in 8 U.S. women and 1 in 833 U.S. men will develop breast cancer over the course of their lives. At CanCare, we want to help you receive the encouragement and camaraderie of other breast cancer survivors.
The American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries' pharmaceutical business teamed up to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985. Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor herself, assisted in launching the week-long event. She received her diagnosis while her husband, Gerald Ford, was president of the United States, which increased awareness of breast cancer.
Early on, the purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was to empower women to take control of their breast health by educating them about breast cancer, as well as early detection testing. Another one of their main objectives was to promote consciousness of mammograms as a key tool in the treatment against breast cancer.
In more recent years, businesses and sports leagues have teamed up to increase awareness throughout the month. All of which has helped fundraising efforts to improve care and aim towards hopefully one day eradicating the disease.
Most everyone is familiar with the pink ribbon that appears during the month of October, but where did it originate from? The pink ribbon came to life back in 1992, thanks to Estée Lauder cosmetics. They gave away 1.5 million of them and deemed the pink ribbon as the visual reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Also, the NFL has become one of the largest supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Coaches, players, and referees across the league wear a pink ribbon and other attire every October to show their support!
We make it our mission to match those facing breast cancer and other cancers across the nation with a survivor who has faced the same kinds of challenges while providing a support system in the process. So, if you’re searching for a community that can offer emotional support while facing cancer, look no further. CanCare can help!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month History
The American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries' pharmaceutical business teamed up to launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985. Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor herself, assisted in launching the week-long event. She received her diagnosis while her husband, Gerald Ford, was president of the United States, which increased awareness of breast cancer.Early on, the purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was to empower women to take control of their breast health by educating them about breast cancer, as well as early detection testing. Another one of their main objectives was to promote consciousness of mammograms as a key tool in the treatment against breast cancer.
In more recent years, businesses and sports leagues have teamed up to increase awareness throughout the month. All of which has helped fundraising efforts to improve care and aim towards hopefully one day eradicating the disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Facts: The Pink Ribbon
Most everyone is familiar with the pink ribbon that appears during the month of October, but where did it originate from? The pink ribbon came to life back in 1992, thanks to Estée Lauder cosmetics. They gave away 1.5 million of them and deemed the pink ribbon as the visual reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Also, the NFL has become one of the largest supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Coaches, players, and referees across the league wear a pink ribbon and other attire every October to show their support!
What You Can do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Are you wanting to show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but not sure how? We’ve laid out just a few of many ways you can help.- Educate yourself and others by seeking out information about breast cancer. Healthcare providers are best when it comes to the most reliable and accurate information.
- Post on your social media to help spread awareness about breast cancer, or share your personal story.
- Donate to organizations like CanCare, where we help those facing breast cancer and other types of cancer.
Get Emotional Support With CanCare
No one living with breast cancer should have to face it by themselves. The cancer support community at CanCare consists of volunteer survivors that can provide you the emotional support you may need. We also know that cancer caregivers need support sometimes, too!We make it our mission to match those facing breast cancer and other cancers across the nation with a survivor who has faced the same kinds of challenges while providing a support system in the process. So, if you’re searching for a community that can offer emotional support while facing cancer, look no further. CanCare can help!