The color pink has become synonymous with the month of October for as long as most of us can remember. During this time, buildings illuminate in pink lights, merchandise in stores are adorned with pink ribbons, and many walks are held across the country in an effort to spread awareness and to honor the survivors, and those who have lost the fight to Breast Cancer. While many of these things have become common knowledge, there is so much more to learn about this disease.
Here are a few facts that you may not know about Breast Cancer:
1. According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is the second deadliest cancer in women, after lung cancer.
2. The first ribbons used for Breast Cancer Awareness were actually peach colored! In 1968, a California woman whose sister, daughter, and grand daughter were each diagnosed with Breast Cancer, distributed the ribbons to spread awareness to what she believed to be a disparity in research funding for Breast Cancer.
3. The pink ribbon we see today was established 30 years ago by Evelyn Lauder of Estee Lauder Companies. Lauder, who passed in 2011, drew inspiration from the red ribbon used to symbolize AIDS Awareness. Lauder also formed the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993.
4. Several types of Breast Cancer exist. The type of breast cancer varies, depending on the location in the breast, if it has spread, or if hormones have aided the growth of the cancer cells. Types of breast cancer include but are not limited to Her 2 positive, Metastatic, and Triple Negative.
5. Though women are typically affected, men can be diagnosed with Breast Cancer also! The Center for Disease Control states that, “about every 1 in 100 cancers diagnosed in the US have been detected in men.”
As we acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to schedule a mammogram, pick an organization to donate to, or send some encouraging words to someone who may be going through the fight!
Sources:
“Breast Cancer in Men.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Sept. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/men/index.htm.
Person, and Alicia Powell. “Pink Ribbon and Breast Cancer Campaign Celebrate 30th Anniversary.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pink-ribbon-breast-cancer-campaign-celebrate-30th-anniversary-2022-10-12/.
“What Are the Different Types of Breast Cancer?” WebMD, WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-types.
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