October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is a great month, especially for those who live in the Northeast. The leaves turn colors, the weather is usually great, and all in all, fall is the best season (in my opinion). Besides these attributes, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For many women this is a big deal, not only for those who have or had breast cancer, but also their families.
The symbol for breast cancer awareness is a pink ribbon. Did you know that the pink ribbon as a symbol for awareness started in 1991? The Susan G. Komen Foundation first handed the ribbons out to those who participated in the New York City Breast Cancer Survivors Race. All throughout the month, there are a lot of pink colored items that you would not normally see. Almost everything you see is pink and supports the efforts to raise awareness.
You may ask yourself, why is the ribbon pink? Well, the answer is quite simple. Pink is a feminine color and it symbolizes compassion, nurturing, love, and beauty. Other symbolisms for the ribbon include the fear of cancer and also the hope of a bright future.
Another interesting fact about breast cancer awareness ribbons is that men have their own ribbon, and that one is pink and blue. Believe it or not men can get breast cancer. Although it is extremely rare, men can be diagnosed. According to breastcancer.org, about 1% of all breast cancers will occur in men, and less than 2,500 men will be diagnosed this year.
Many people and businesses are proud of the fact that they try to help raise awareness of breast cancer, and they should be. There are a great deal of organizations that will make pink products for the month of October and will donate a certain percentage of their sales towards building increased breast cancer awareness and helping with research efforts.
One of the more well-known organizations that help in the fight against breast cancer efforts is The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Since 1982, Susan G. Komen has spent more than $1.5 billion on research, education, health services and social support programs in the United States and more than 50 countries worldwide. Komen has more than 100,000 volunteers in 124 affiliates all over the world.
Throughout the entire month of October, there are many big fundraising events. One in particular is the Susan G. Komen “For the Cure” walk. This is a 60 mile walk spread out over 3 days, and has raised millions of dollars. Another notable event is the national “Run for the Cure”. This event is currently organized in over 100 cities around the country, as well as other parts of the world.
Breast cancer is a devastating disease affecting women all over the world. Although millions of dollars have been raised to help combat breast cancer, there is still no definite cure. It is very important to get annual exams because early detection is very important in fighting this disease. For more information about breast cancer, check out breastcancer.org.
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