October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What began in 1985 as a week-long event created by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries is now a powerhouse in the fight against breast cancer. The original goal was to educate women about breast cancer and promote mammograms as a vital tool for early detection.

Key milestones

• 1985: The first National Breast Cancer Awareness Week is founded as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca).
• 1985: Former First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor, helped kick off the initial campaign and draw national attention to the disease.
• Early 1990s: Activist Charlotte Haley began making and distributing peach-colored ribbons to highlight the lack of funding for cancer prevention.
• 1991: The Susan G. Komen Foundation distributes pink ribbons to participants at its Race for the Cure in New York City.
• 1992: Self magazine’s editor, Alexandra Penney, partners with cosmetics company Estée Lauder to distribute pink ribbons at makeup counters nationwide, helping popularize the symbol. The pink ribbon soon becomes the universal symbol for breast cancer awareness.
• 1993: Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder found the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and officially established the pink ribbon as its emblem.
• Mid-1990s Onward: The campaign evolves from a single week to encompass the entire month of October, becoming an international health campaign. It expands its focus to include fundraising for research, celebrating survivors, and addressing inequities in care.

Since its founding, the campaign has successfully increased public awareness and fundraising, contributing to a significant decline in mortality rates.

What are some ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Financial support

• Donate to research and support services: Contribute to reputable breast cancer organizations that fund research or provide direct support to patients. Top-rated options include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) – see below for more information on the NBCF.
• Fundraise on your own: Host your own fundraising event, such as a bake sale, raffle, or charity gaming tournament. Many charities provide toolkits to help you get started.
• Support corporate partners: Purchase products from companies that donate a portion of their sales to breast cancer organizations during October.

Help and advocacy

• Assist a patient you know: If a friend or family member has been diagnosed, offer tangible help like cooking meals, driving them to appointments, or running errands. Websites like CaringBridge can help coordinate support from multiple people.
• Drive patients to treatment: Many people undergoing chemotherapy need help getting to and from their sessions. You can offer your services directly or through a social worker.
• Contact elected officials: Write to your representatives to advocate for policies that support cancer research and healthcare access. Organizations like the National Breast Cancer Coalition can help you identify legislative priorities.

Volunteer opportunities

• Volunteer locally: Donate your time to local hospitals, cancer centers, or nonprofit organizations. You could help with tasks like packing care kits for patients.
• Join an event: Participate in a walk or run, such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. You can also fundraise by creating a team.
• Serve as an ambassador: Volunteer with programs like “Worship in Pink” to raise awareness within your local faith-based community.

Personal and public education

• Schedule your own screening: Use October as a reminder to take action for your own breast health. If you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor about scheduling a mammogram.
• Learn and share facts: Educate yourself and your community on risk factors, prevention, and the importance of early detection. You can share facts and statistics on social media.
• Be breast self-aware: Familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can spot any changes.
• Wear pink: Wearing pink or a pink ribbon is an easy way to show solidarity and start conversations with others about breast health.

About the National Breast Cancer Foundation

The NBCF is a non-profit organization that provides aid to those affected by breast cancer through a variety of programs. The organization focuses on early detection, education, and support services.

Programs and services

• National Mammography Program: Provides free mammograms and diagnostic services to underserved individuals in all 50 states through a network of partner medical facilities.
• Patient Navigation Program: Connects patients with professionals who can guide them through the complexities of the healthcare system, assisting with treatment logistics, costs, and emotional support.
• HOPE Kits: Care packages filled with items intended to provide comfort and encouragement to breast cancer patients during treatment.
• Patient Relief Program: Offers financial assistance to patients to help cover unexpected costs associated with treatment, such as groceries, transportation, and utilities.
• Support Groups and Retreats: Hosts support groups and special retreats for patients and survivors, including specific retreats for those with metastatic breast cancer.
• Breast Health Education: Offers free educational resources, materials, and workplace seminars to increase awareness about breast health and the importance of early detection.
• Hope Innovation Lab: Funds projects at healthcare facilities nationwide that develop new ways to support and advance breast cancer care.

NBCF Impact and Recognition

• High ratings: NBCF has consistently received the highest 4-star rating from the charity evaluator Charity Navigator.
• Funding allocation: On average, over 80% of the organization’s expenses are directed toward its life-saving programs.
• Founder’s story: The NBCF was founded in 1991 by breast cancer survivor Janelle Hail, who was motivated by her own experience with the disease to educate and help others.

Ways to Get Involved

• Donate: You can donate online, by mail, or through other options like stock donations and employer-matching programs.
• Fundraise: Individuals, schools, and companies can host their own fundraisers.
• Volunteer: You can volunteer to help pack HOPE Kits or become a Community Ambassador.
• Shop: A portion of purchases made through the NBCF Shop supports the foundation’s programs.

Publishers Note: Thanks to both breastcancer.org and nationalbreastcancer.org for allowing us to use information gleaned from their respective sites.