As most of us already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Ribbons are everywhere! So…we decided to try and provide a little context to what this whole breast cancer hullabaloo is about. (’cause its not just an excuse to say “boobies” and “tatas” !!)
The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) Organization
The NBCAM was founded in 1985 by AstraZeneca with the purpose of promoting breast cancer awareness, sharing information on the disease, and providing better access to screening services (mammograms). They also placed an emphasis on encouraging mammograms as the most valuable tool in the fight against breast cancer. Reason being….early detection is crucial! Their website (www.nbcam.org) has some great resources, including how to find a Mammography Center in your area.
The Pink Ribbon
The most common symbol we see for breast cancer awareness is the Pink Ribbon. They are widely used to demonstrate our support for women (and men) who have Breast Cancer, and were first handed out by the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 1991 at the Race for the Cure in New York City. The ribbon started to become well known a few years later when editor-in-chief of Self magazine, Alexandra Penney placed the pink ribbon on her NBCAM issue of Self Magazine & enlisted Evelyn Lauder of Estee Lauder to distribute them at Estee Lauder Counters. Over the years, we have seen this pink ribbon displayed in all shapes and styles:
