October is known to many as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Originally a week-long event, Breast Cancer Awareness Month started in 1985 hosted by the American Cancer Society. Today, it is a month-long event with inter-national reach! This month promotes early screening and prevention as this is a disease that affects over two million women across the globe; it is best recognized by its pink color scheme. Some of the event’s campaign focuses include supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer, educating people of the risk factors associated with breast cancer, encouraging women to get screens early and regularly, and funding research.
During this month, there are also certain dates designated for specific sub-categories of breast cancer; this brings awareness to the varying ways breast cancer can take hold. For example, October 13th is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Metastatic refers to when the breast cancer spreads beyond the original breast tissue to other parts of the body. October 17-23 is Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Though breast cancer is most commonly seen in women, it can also affect men. Because it is less common in this demographic however, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
This October, look out for pink ribbons in your community to support those who have been affected by breast cancer.
Source: Breastcancer.org
