History of Breast Cancer Month

Most of us are now used to seeing a plethora of pink each October: all kinds of “pinked out” products, pink signs, pink balloons, sports teams covered in pink and of course, the iconic pink ribbon. These signals prompt individuals, organizations and businesses to join the commemoration that celebrates survivors, promotes breast cancer education and honors those who lost their breast cancer battles. The special events and other aspects that signify October’s official designation as Breast Cancer Awareness Month have become something we expect. But do know Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s backstory?

What’s the purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

The mission behind the month is simple but significant: to encourage all women to take control of their breast health and to provide access to the information and resources they need to do it.

Key to this effort has been the dissemination of breast cancer education with an emphasis on the importance of self-exams plus regular screenings like mammograms to help women detect cancer early and increase their odds of survival.

It has also become a time to focus fundraising efforts for additional education and research as well as a time for those affected by breast cancer to share their stories to further increase awareness and create community.

When did it begin? It was started in 1985 as a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical arm of Imperial Chemical Industries (which is now AstraZeneca) a company that made several breast cancer drugs. Former first lady Betty Ford helped garner attention for what was then a week of breast cancer awareness events.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Ford understood the value in spreading factual and easy to understand information about the disease, including its signs, treatments and prevention measures and also knew her celebrity status would help the effort gain steam. She was right. Soon, that initial handful of events turned into the month-long, global awareness campaign it is today.

 

Join In!

Here’s how you can get involved with Breast Cancer Month right here at home:

 

JTL Golf Classic

October 18

Wynlakes Golf & Country Club, Montgomery

Chip in for breast cancer and tee-up to provide more mammograms and support for Alabamians. The Joy to Life Foundation’s  first-ever golf tournament will be a double-shotgun event.

Visit joytolife.org for details.

 

Breast Cancer Scramble

October 9 at 11 a.m.

Wetumpka Sports Complex

Witness Haynes Helicopter drop 6,000 pink ping pong balls as you scramble to collect them. Prizes from participating sponsors and food trucks on site.

Call 334-558-2247 for details.