(Summary at the bottom)
What is breast cancer awareness month?
Breast cancer awareness month is an international health campaign held every October. During this month charities, major healthcare providers and communities provide education and aim to increase awareness and to raise funds for research, cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. This month is also known by its nickname “Pinktober”, as one of the most recognisable symbols of breast cancer awareness is the pink ribbon, representing hope, strength and solidarity.
History
In 1985 it started as a week-long campaign to educate women about screening and routine mammograms, a mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue. Co-created by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Now, forty-one years later, it has grown into a month-long nationwide movement that continues to bring awareness to the disease.
The pink ribbon became a symbol to represent breast cancer awareness in 1992, created by Self magazine and the Estée Lauder cosmetics. However, in 1991 it began as a peach coloured ribbon created by Charlotte Harley, she handmade the ribbons and distributed them as a way to advocate for the National Cancer Institute.
There has been steady progress and research has led to major advances, some major milestones:
1980s to 1990s: The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were discovered, BRCA stands for BReast CAncer genes, they are genes that produce proteins, helping repair damaged DNA. Inherited from each parent, everyone has two copies of each of the genes.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Herceptin to treat HER2 metastatic breast cancer. HER2 is breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called: human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, it promotes the growth of cancer cells.
2000s to 2010s: Identification of breast cancer stem cells and genomic testing for treatment decisions, at the testing there will be closely looked at a sample of cancer tissue to see how active the genes are.
Approval of immunotherapy to treat triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancers, immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses your body’s own immune system to prevent, control and eliminate cancer.
Breast cancer and detection
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and about 1 in 8 women will get invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. It all starts with the growth of the cells in the breast tissues, they mutate and become cancerous cells that multiply and form tumors.
It can happen at any age but the risk goes up as you get older, everyone should know about the risks, ways to help lower that risk and screening. With screening, you can find the cancer before the symptoms appear.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast, other symptoms you can have are any changes in the skin or nipple discharge. Knowing your body and how your breasts normally look and feel will help you identify any changes or abnormalities. Staying alert can help find breast cancer early and treatments in early stages are also more likely to be successful.
Women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. There are three ways to perform a thorough self-exam:
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In front of a mirror
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In the shower
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Lying down
Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 17 to 23rd)
Breast cancer doesn’t just happen in women, although much more common in women, breast cancer can affect men too. All people have breast tissue and could potentially get breast cancer, including men, trans men and non-binary people. About 1 in 800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, men carry a higher breast cancer mortality rate than women because lumps are less likely assumed to be related to breast cancer which can cause delays in seeking treatment.
How to help and spread awareness
As mentioned, the breast cancer symbol is the pink ribbon, a simple gesture to show support for those battling breast cancer is to wear the pink ribbon or pink clothing, especially this October.
Sharing educational resources, knowledge can save lives! There are still many people who don't understand the importance of regular screenings, risk factors or a simple self-check. Spread awareness by telling friends and family who should be getting mammograms, who is at risk and how to check breasts for abnormalities. There are many centers that offer mammograms for free!
Donating can also make a real impact, they help provide mammograms, more access to screenings, education, care and emotional support to those who need it most.
Supporting a loved one who is undergoing treatment goes a long way. You can bring a homemade meal or a care package, write encouraging notes or cards or help with little errands. Small acts of kindness bring comfort and show them that they don’t have to face this alone.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than wearing pink, it’s about showing up for the women in your life and around you. Whether you volunteer, educate, donate or schedule your own screening, all your efforts contribute to saving lives!
Summary
- Breast cancer awareness month is an international health campaign held every October and started as a week-long campaign in 1985
- The pink ribbon became a symbol to represent breast cancer awareness in 1992
- From 1980s to 1990s, The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were discovered and the FDA approved Herceptin
- From 2000s to 2010s, Identification of breast cancer stem cells and approval of immunotherapy to treat triple-negative and HER2+ breast cancers
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women
- Common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast
- Knowing your body and how your breasts normally look is very important
- About 1 in 800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer
- Wearing the pink ribbon or clothing is a simple gesture to show support!
With love,
The Inclusivity Group
