Pink October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BCAM, is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
History
BCAM was founded in 1985 in October as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. The aim of the BCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.
In 1993 Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies, founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol.
Events
A variety of events around the world are organized in October, including walks and runs, and the pink illumination of landmark buildings. In the Australia, Brazil and France, wear pink to supporte men and women - who have cancer or families, relatives, searchers and medical teams - who are fighting against this disease on a daily basis.
In Australia, Cancer Council has a campaing, Pink Ribbon that raises funds for prevention programs, support services and vital cancer research. But there a others institutions with the same purpose:
Wear pink is important to show that we stand in solidarity. It shows a community of people who want to help.