Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Chances are a woman you know will be diagnosed with breast cancer. There are 2.5 million women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women. Of women born today, one in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime (SEER incidence and NCHS mortality statistics, 2007 estimate). Pink Ribbon Day and National Breast Care Awareness Month help support breast cancer research to fight this deadly disease.
Pink Ribbon Day and National Breast Care Awareness Month
Pink Ribbon Day is the fourth Monday in October every year. Pink Ribbon Day originated in Australia but has become popular all over the world. October is also National Breast Care Awareness Month. The cause raises national awareness of the need for early detection through mammograms and the need for research funds to find a cure. Since its inception in 1984, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has raised over $55 million for breast cancer awareness and research. NBCAM is the official organization for National Breast Care Awareness Month. The year 2009 marks the 25th anniversary of NBCAM.
History of the Pink Ribbon
The pink ribbon has become a universal symbol in the fight against breast cancer. Few people know the history behind the pink ribbon. A woman named Charlotte Haley first began using ribbons to raise breast cancer awareness in the early 1990s after her daughter, sister and grandmother were all diagnosed with the disease. The original color was peach. Evelyn Lauder of the Estee Lauder Corp., with the help of Alexandra Penney of Self magazine, established the current color of pink in 1991. Many proceeds from sales of pink ribbon items are dedicated to breast cancer treatment and research.
Why Funds Are Needed
The fundraising efforts of Pink Ribbon Day and National Breast Care Awareness Month are used to fund breast cancer research. Funds are also needed for support groups for breast cancer victims, survivors and their families during their diagnosis and treatment. Helping women pay for mammograms is a vital part of fundraising efforts. Early detection and treatment is seen as the best method for fighting breast cancer.
Other Organizations Involved in the Cause
There are many other organizations involved in the fight against breast cancer. In 1992, the Avon Foundation began the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. It now has programs in more than 50 countries. In the United States, the annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is held in cities across the nation. Susan G. Komen's sister, Nancy G. Brinker, in memory of her sister and her heroic battle with breast cancer, established the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This foundation has invested over $1 billion dollars in breast cancer research and treatment since its inception in 1982.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways you can become involved in the fight against breast cancer. Volunteer organizations need your time and money to help find a cure for breast cancer. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer National Team Program provides an opportunity for corporations to become involved. Corporations recruit teams of volunteers and organize fundraising events.
The Making Memories foundation supports Brides Against Breast Cancer; taking donated wedding gowns and using the funds to fulfill breast cancer patients' dreams and wishes. They accept corporate sponsorships and private donations. They also sponsor other fundraising projects including the Pink Envelope Project and Diamonds for Dreams.
Tags: Awareness Month, breast cancer, National Breast, Breast Care, Breast Care Awareness
