The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness month, is a worldwide event every October, to increase the attention and support for the early detection and treatment of all breast-related concerns. Currently, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the multiple causes of breast cancer. Early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment are pivotal in controlling this disease, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes and survival rates.

Early diagnosis and screening comprise the two key detection strategies for breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening consists of evaluating women to identify cancers before any symptoms appear. Screening tools, include breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound), clinical breast examinations and breast self-examination.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how it started

International Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in October 1985 by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (part of AstraZeneca, producer of anticancer drugs). The aims remain to promote screening mammography in the fight against breast cancer.

The campaign starts on October the 1st and ends on the 31st October annually, and is organised by major breast cancer charities. Its aims are to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. This initiative also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

Why the pink ribbon?

In 1993, Evelyn Lauder, the Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies, founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and founded the pink ribbon as its symbol.

2022 /2023 Update: It is now often called “Pink October” as people around the world adopt the pink colour and display a pink ribbon to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and routine screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, now the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally.

What am I trying to say?

In a nutshell, check your breasts regularly and please support the many worthy charities. 

By Professor Zoe Winters – Consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon and Breast Specialist – London Breast Health