Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This past weekend marked the start of the annual campaign fight against Breast Cancer.

According to the Breast Cancer Society, the “events that take place during October encourage women to check themselves regularly, see their doctors, and remain vigilant against breast cancer, while also celebrating the vitality of survivors who are recovering from the disease.”

But where did this all start from? What is behind the history of the Pink Ribbon?

It all started with AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish drug manufacturing company. In 1985, the company started a campaign to help bring awareness and show the importance of having mammograms.

However, the first National Race for the Cure started back in Dallas, Texas, in 1983.

Currently, there are many such races happening in a variety of cities from all over the world.  The Breast Cancer Society lists a few of these names. “For instance, in Bulgaria, it is called the Breast Cancer Walk; in Italy it is Komen Italia Race for the Cure; and in Australia and New Zealand it is known as the Dove Pink Star Walk.”

Many of the cities such as Jerusalem, Tokyo, Chicago, etc. light up the buildings in a beautiful pink display.

One of the most common cancers identified for women has been breast cancer. However, thanks to the past awareness months and races, there has been a steady decline in the United States. The drop in number of incidences has decreased since 1999.

Even  the NFL has become involved. Throughout the course of the month, players, officials, and coaches will join together in their crusade against Breast Cancer by wearing pink at the games. According to the All Headline News, “Coaches’ caps, players’ cleats and officials’ whistles were pink in Sunday’s NFL games. Footballs were decorated with pink ribbon decals and padding for the goal posts was colored pink. The color was also splashed on fields around the NFL and will remain pink throughout the month.

San Diego catches the “Pink Fever” every October in its desire to fight cancer.  There are a number of events each year to support the cause.

What will you do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?