Pinktober: Encouragement for Breast Cancer Patients
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Every October, people around the world, including Thailand, unite to raise awareness about breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women and a major public health concern globally. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, and the ongoing support for those battling the disease.
When is the breast cancer awareness month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed annually in October, during which breast cancer charities and organizations worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the disease. Throughout the month, educational efforts focus on increasing understanding of breast cancer, while fundraising activities support research and the development of new treatments. Both Government and private organizations, along with various product companies, release items featuring the iconic pink ribbon with proceeds often donated to cancer research institutions. These funds contribute to advancing prevention, treatment, and awareness of breast cancer.
This campaign was first launched in 1985 through a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, a producer of several breast cancer and the COVID-19 vaccine). The initiative aimed to promote the fight against breast cancer, a disease that affects both women and men, though men are 100 times less likely to develop it. Therefore, breast cancer is not exclusively a women’s issue.
What is the pink ribbon symbol?
Ribbons have been used as symbols of awareness and support for various causes in the U.S. military since the mid-1900s, notably appearing in the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” which symbolized encouragement for the wives of American hostages held in Iran between 1979 and 1981. The yellow ribbon became a widely recognized emblem of support for the hostages, and it soon represented solidarity with those serving abroad.
Later, AIDS activists adopted the ribbon symbol, changing its color from yellow to red. Over time, many health-related charity campaigns began using ribbons, particularly for various forms of cancer. By 1992, ribbon symbolism had grown so popular that the New York Times dubbed “The Year of the Ribbon,” with different colors representing different cause. Initially, the ribbon for breast cancer awareness was peach, not pink. So, how did it become pink?
The shirt began with Charlotte Haley, who had family members affected by breast cancer. She designed the original peach ribbon, distributing it a card that read: “The National Cancer Institute spends $1.8 billion annually, yet only 5% goes to cancer prevention. Help us encourage lawmakers and America by wearing this ribbon.” She distributed thousands of ribbons, gaining attention of organizations and media. However, she rejected offers from larger corporations, feeling their intentions were too commercial. Eventually, Self magazine became involved, but its legal team suggested changing the ribbon color to avoid copyright issues. This lead to the non-familiar pink ribbon. In October 1992, the pink ribbon made its nationwide debut in the U.S. when Estée Lauder featured it at cosmetic counters.
What symbolizes breast cancer?
In addition to the standard pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness, other colors and combinations have been introduced to represent different aspects of the disease. For example, hot pink symbolizes inflammatory breast cancer, teal and pink representing hereditary breast cancer and genetic links, pink and blue raise awareness for breast cancer in men, and teal, pink, and green symbolizing metastatic breast cancer.
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