National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Celebrates 25 Years

Written by guest blogger Bethany Bowen

October means pink: pink ribbons, pink products - even pink products with pink ribbons on them. The use of the pink ribbon began in1991, when the Susan G. Komen for the Cure handed out pink ribbons to participants at a New York City race for breast cancer survivors. Today we recognize this as a symbol for Breast Cancer Awareness, and this is largely due to the efforts of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM).

This year is the 25th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to their Web site, NBCAM is a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services. NBCAM started with founding members American Academy of Family Physicians, AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation and CancerCare, Inc. They passed out information, spoke to the media, and testified before Congress about the need for wide-spread access to mammography. Their intention for the then week-long event was to fill the information void about breast cancer.

Today, the month of October is full of events sponsoring breast cancer awareness and research. Events include Race for the Cure (currently held in over 100 U.S. cities), Breast Cancer 2 Days, Breast Cancer 3 Days, Ride to Empower, Global Illumination, and Pink days. All events rally supporters, survivors, and activists in an effort to raise funds and awareness. Also, throughout the month of October many products “go pink” to donate money to breast cancer funds. You can find products supporting this worthy cause on Uptown Liz.

Lastly, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Web site is a year-round resource for anyone who might need it. They encourage everyone to visit their site regularly as they update information and resources.

For today, let’s put on our pink ribbons, and recognize 25 years of awareness and strides towards a cure.