This year, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The good news is that with early detection and treatment, more people are surviving.
This month is the 40th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It began as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Betty Ford, wife of President Gerald Ford, is perhaps best remembered for the launch. A breast cancer survivor, she helped to elevate the cause.
The goal was to emphasize the importance of mammograms and empower women to take charge of their health.
In the early 90s, breast cancer survivor Charlotte Haley introduced a peach-colored breast cancer awareness ribbon. She crafted each ribbon by hand and distributed thousands of them at supermarkets, accompanied by cards that read: “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is $1.8 billion, but only 5% goes toward cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.”
Estée Lauder Cosmetics and Self magazine approached Haley with a request to use her idea, but she declined, saying they were too commercial. Undeterred, they consulted their lawyers and decided to create pink ribbons, which have since become the global symbol for breast cancer awareness.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about education but also serves as a vital time for fundraising. Many events center around races with the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure being among the better-known.
Visit nationalbreastcancer.org