During the month of October, people worldwide unite and wear pink. The color pink has a symbolic meaning to it especially during the month of October because it displays visibility, strength and support to others, but why is this?
October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells develop in the breast tissue, affecting many around the world. It is the most common cancer that is found in women and is the second leading cause of death for women in the United States. 30% of women are diagnosed every year while men have a less than 1% chance of being diagnosed per year.
A pink ribbon has become a universal symbol when the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation started “Race for the Cure,” a 5k run or walk that hands out pink ribbons to participants. The color pink is associated with breast cancer due to the traditional view the color being seen as feminine, but it also symbolizes support and care. The color pink was also chosen to reflect the hope and strength linked to breast cancer.
October became breast cancer awareness month due the International Conference on Breast Cancer Research, which happens every October, that brings together advocates, patients and researchers to discuss the next steps to finding a cure for the disease and how they can raise money for research.
Some early breast cancer signs are lumps on the breast or underarm, changing in breast shape or size, skin puckering or dimpling, breast skin becoming thick or swollen and unusual pain around the breast area. Understanding the early signs of breast cancer is crucial because it increases the chances of successful treatments and survival. Ways to detect breast cancer early are self exams and going to the doctors to get an X-ray examination of the breast tissue, which is called a mammogram and helps to detect the cancer at early stages. Women should start going to the doctor to get mammograms at age 40 but women that have a familial history of breast cancer should start at 30. Breast ultrasounds are the next step if doctors suspect signs of cancer cells being present.
“The only reason I caught this cancer when it is still stage zero is because the day I got my text message that my yearly mammogram had come up, I made the appointment,” American actress and director Danielle Fishel said. “So I want to share this because I hope that it will encourage anyone to get in there if it’s time for your appointment, if you’ve never had an appointment before, get in there.”
Breast cancer patients have to endure a lot of emotional and physical challenges. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, pain and even difficulty breathing. Patients undergoing treatment can deal with anxiety and depression due to the intense care that they receive and constant worries about what will happen in the future.
Celebrating breast cancer awareness month is able to provide visibility for the cause so that people can be educated on some early signs of breast cancer, to show support to people who have been affected by breast cancer and to raise funds for more research.
