National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Encyclopedia
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) (also referred to in America as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)) 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.
As well as providing a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease, BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection.
NBCAM was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society
and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries
(now part of AstraZeneca
, maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs). The aim of the NBCAM 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, though this was not the first time the ribbon was used to symbolize breast cancer. In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivor
s.
St. Louis, MO offers a one-day-long breast cancer walk. This walk consists of three miles.
occurs in several cities in the United States. The Breast Cancer 3-Day was previously sponsored and managed by Avon
.
Companies has arranged to have more than a dozen world-famous landmarks illuminated in pink light to draw attention to the importance of mammography screening for early diagnosis of breast cancer as well as the research for finding ways to cure and prevent breast cancer. Some of these landmarks are:
promotes breast cancer awareness by incorporating pink on its websites, graphics, and advertisements. Players also show support by wearing pink gloves, cleats, captains patches, and other apparel during games.
artists used pink on October 10, 2010, using the pink ribbon with the words "Cartoonists Care". King Features Syndicate
inspired the plan.
, which is rare, is generally overlooked. In 2009 the male breast cancer advocacy groups Out of the Shadow of Pink, A Man's Pink, and the Brandon Greening Foundation for Breast Cancer in Men joined together to globally establish the third week of October as "Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week"
Sometimes referred to as National Breast Cancer Industry Month, critics of NBCAM point to a conflict of interest between corporations sponsoring breast cancer awareness
while profiting from diagnosis and treatment. The breast cancer advocacy organization, Breast Cancer Action
, has said repeatedly in newsletters and other information sources that October has become a public relations
campaign that avoids discussion of the causes and prevention of breast cancer and instead focuses on “awareness” as a way to encourage women to get their mammograms. The term pinkwashing has been used by Breast Cancer Action to describe the actions of companies which manufacture and use chemicals which show a link with breast cancer and at the same time publicly support charities focused on curing the disease. Other criticisms center on the marketing of "pink products" and tie ins, citing that more money is spent marketing these campaigns than is donated to the cause.
because it focuses on "early detection and treatment" while ignoring environmental factors. According Aaron Blair, Ph.D., chief of the Occupational Epidemiology Branch in National Cancer Institute
's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, For breast cancer, hormone use is one of the major factors affecting risk. According to Rose Marie Williams, a columnist for the Townsend Letter
, drug, chemical, and biotechnology companies have a vested interest in treating the disease rather than finding ways to minimize its rate of incidence. Recent studies show that breast cancer is linked to several environmental and genetic factors which can be controlled or mitigated.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
charities every October
October
October is the tenth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with a length of 31 days. The eighth month in the old Roman calendar, October retained its name after January and February were inserted into the calendar that had originally been created by the...
to increase awareness of the disease
Breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and reduce the disease's stigma by educating people about its symptoms and treatment options...
and to raise funds
Fundraising
Fundraising or fund raising is the process of soliciting and gathering voluntary contributions as money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies...
for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
As well as providing a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease, BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection.
History
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the "nationwide community-based voluntary health organization" dedicated, in their own words, "to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and...
and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries
Imperial Chemical Industries
Imperial Chemical Industries was a British chemical company, taken over by AkzoNobel, a Dutch conglomerate, one of the largest chemical producers in the world. In its heyday, ICI was the largest manufacturing company in the British Empire, and commonly regarded as a "bellwether of the British...
(now part of AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca plc is a global pharmaceutical and biologics company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the world's seventh-largest pharmaceutical company measured by revenues and has operations in over 100 countries...
, maker of several anti-breast cancer drugs). The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.
In 1993 Evelyn Lauder
Evelyn Lauder
Evelyn Lauder was an American socialite and philanthropist who has been credited as one of the creators and popularizers of the pink ribbon as a symbol for awareness of breast cancer....
, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies
Estée Lauder Companies
Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company has its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.-History:...
founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, an...
and established the pink ribbon
Pink ribbon
The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the color pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer....
as its symbol, though this was not the first time the ribbon was used to symbolize breast cancer. In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivor
Cancer survivor
A cancer survivor is an individual with cancer of any type, current or past, who is still living. About 11 million Americans alive today—one in 30 people–are either currently undergoing treatment for cancer or have done so in the past." Currently nearly 65% of adults diagnosed with cancer in the...
s.
The National Race for the Cure
In October 1983 the Race for the Cure was held for the first time in Dallas, Texas, where 800 people participated. According to the organizers, by 2002 the number of participants reached 1.3 million and the event was held in over 100 US cities. The event is also being organized in several other parts of the World.| Australia and New Zealand | Dove Pink Star walk |
| Germany | Komen Frankfurt Race for the Cure |
| Netherlands | Walk for Women |
| Italy | Komen Italia Race for the Cure |
| United Kingdom | Race for my wife and Race for life |
| Canada | Run for the Cure |
| Hungary | Avon One-Day Walk for Life |
| Puerto Rico | Komen Puerto Rico Race for the Cure |
| Bulgaria | Breast Cancer Walk |
Breast Cancer Today
There are various two-day-long walks to raise money for breast cancer research institutes. Avon sponsors a 39 mile (60 km) walk.http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage A walk in Atlanta offers varying lengths of up to 30 miles.http://www.2daywalk.org/site/pp.asp?c=evKXLjMTIpG&b=249566 Canada's large "Weekend to End Breast Cancer" features a 60 km walk.http://to07.endcancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=to07_homepageSt. Louis, MO offers a one-day-long breast cancer walk. This walk consists of three miles.
Susan G. Komen 3 Day 'For the Cure'
This sixty mile fundraising walk, which is spread across 3 days, raises money for breast cancer research. This walk, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the CureSusan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, often referred to as simply Komen, is the most widely known, largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the US....
occurs in several cities in the United States. The Breast Cancer 3-Day was previously sponsored and managed by Avon
Avon Products
Avon Products, Inc. is a US cosmetics, perfume and toy seller with markets in over 140 countries across the world and sales of $9.9 billion worldwide as of 2007.-Business Model:...
.
| Bulgaria | Breast Cancer Walk |
| Czech Republic | Breast Cancer Conference |
| France | 5 km Breast Cancer Race/Walk |
| Germany | Women's 5k/10k Walk Run |
| Greece | Recognition dinner and Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Fashion show |
| Hungary | Walk for Life |
| Ireland | Breast Cancer Walk |
| Italy | Breast cancer Awareness event |
| Poland | Breast Cancer Walk |
| Portugal | Educational walk-a-thon |
| Romania | Breast Cancer Walk |
| Russia | Press conference |
| Slovakia | Press conference |
| Spain | Breast Cancer Walk |
| Turkey | "Trip to Health with Avon" walk |
| Ukraine | Breast Cancer awareness walk |
| United Kingdom | "Celebrating Life" award ceremony |
Ride to Empower
The Ride to Empower started in 2008 and raises money for Breast Cancer Network of Strength's programs. The Ride to Empower is a destination bike ride, with fully supported route lengths ranging from a 100 miles to less than 32 miles. The location for the Ride to Empower changes yearly.Global Illumination
Estée LauderEstée Lauder Companies
Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company has its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.-History:...
Companies has arranged to have more than a dozen world-famous landmarks illuminated in pink light to draw attention to the importance of mammography screening for early diagnosis of breast cancer as well as the research for finding ways to cure and prevent breast cancer. Some of these landmarks are:
| The Harbour Bridge | Sydney | Australia |
| The Hangzhou Department Store | Hangzhou | China |
| Niagara Falls | Ontario | Canada |
| The Eden Project | Cornwall | England |
| The Majestic Hotel | Cannes | France |
| The French Affiliate Building | Paris | France |
| The Angel of Peace | Munich | Germany |
| City Hall | Reykjavik | Iceland |
| Azrieli Towers | Tel Aviv | Israel |
| Constantine's Arch | Rome | Italy |
| The Arena | Verona | Italy |
| Tokyo Tower | Tokyo | Japan |
| Freedom Tower Freedom Tower (Miami) The Freedom Tower is a building in Miami, Florida, designed by Schultze and Weaver. It is used currently as a memorial to Cuban immigration to the United States. It is located at 600 Biscayne Boulevard on the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College. On September 10, 1979, it was added to the U.S.... at Miami Dade College Miami Dade College Miami Dade College, or simply Miami Dade or MDC, is a state college with eight campuses and twenty-one outreach centers located throughout Miami-Dade County, Florida in the United States. It is part of the Florida College System. Miami Dade College is the largest school in the Florida College... |
Miami, FL | USA |
| W Atlanta - Buckhead Hotel | Atlanta, GA | USA |
| W Atlanta - Midtown Hotel | Atlanta, GA | USA |
| W Atlanta - Downtown Hotel | Atlanta, GA | USA |
| W Atlanta - Perimeter Hotel | Atlanta, GA | USA |
| City Hall Square | Seoul | Korea |
| The Dam Square | Amsterdam | The Netherlands |
| The Skytower | Auckland | New Zealand |
| The Empire State Building | New York, NY | USA |
Pink days
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October, people raise money by organizing activities such as theme parties or a "pink day" (when employees wear pink clothing or accessories) at work. The money raised is donated to the organizers' choice of breast cancer care or research programs.National Football League
During the month of October, the National Football LeagueNational Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
promotes breast cancer awareness by incorporating pink on its websites, graphics, and advertisements. Players also show support by wearing pink gloves, cleats, captains patches, and other apparel during games.
Pink comic strips
Over 50 comic stripComic strip
A comic strip is a sequence of drawings arranged in interrelated panels to display brief humor or form a narrative, often serialized, with text in balloons and captions....
artists used pink on October 10, 2010, using the pink ribbon with the words "Cartoonists Care". King Features Syndicate
King Features Syndicate
King Features Syndicate, a print syndication company owned by The Hearst Corporation, distributes about 150 comic strips, newspaper columns, editorial cartoons, puzzles and games to nearly 5000 newspapers worldwide...
inspired the plan.
Male breast cancer
Male breast cancerMale breast cancer
Male breast cancer is a relatively rare cancer in men that originates from the breast. As it presents a similar pathology as female breast cancer, assessment and treatment relies on experiences and guidelines that have been developed in female patients. The optimal treatment is currently not...
, which is rare, is generally overlooked. In 2009 the male breast cancer advocacy groups Out of the Shadow of Pink, A Man's Pink, and the Brandon Greening Foundation for Breast Cancer in Men joined together to globally establish the third week of October as "Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week"
Corporate Sponsorship
It has been alleged that "the BCAM idea 'was conceived and paid for by a British chemical company that both profits from this epidemic and may be contributing to its cause...'".Sometimes referred to as National Breast Cancer Industry Month, critics of NBCAM point to a conflict of interest between corporations sponsoring breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and reduce the disease's stigma by educating people about its symptoms and treatment options...
while profiting from diagnosis and treatment. The breast cancer advocacy organization, Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Action is a national grassroots education and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting people living with breast cancer and creating system-wide change that will end the breast cancer epidemic. It was founded in 1990 by Elenore Pred, Susan Claymon, and Linda Reyes...
, has said repeatedly in newsletters and other information sources that October has become a public relations
Public relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
campaign that avoids discussion of the causes and prevention of breast cancer and instead focuses on “awareness” as a way to encourage women to get their mammograms. The term pinkwashing has been used by Breast Cancer Action to describe the actions of companies which manufacture and use chemicals which show a link with breast cancer and at the same time publicly support charities focused on curing the disease. Other criticisms center on the marketing of "pink products" and tie ins, citing that more money is spent marketing these campaigns than is donated to the cause.
Cure as "Treatment" vs. "Prevention"
The Cancer Prevention Coalition has criticized the basic message of NBCAM as a form of victim blamingVictim blaming
Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime, an accident, or any type of abusive maltreatment are held entirely or partially responsible for the transgressions committed against them. Blaming the victim has traditionally emerged especially in racist and sexist forms...
because it focuses on "early detection and treatment" while ignoring environmental factors. According Aaron Blair, Ph.D., chief of the Occupational Epidemiology Branch in National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health , which is one of 11 agencies that are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NCI coordinates the U.S...
's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, For breast cancer, hormone use is one of the major factors affecting risk. According to Rose Marie Williams, a columnist for the Townsend Letter
Townsend Letter
The Townsend Letter is a periodical publication focusing on alternative medicine which has been in circulation since 1983. It aims to provide the alternative medical community with a forum to discuss a wide variety of health-related topics. The Letter notes in a disclaimer: "We encourage reports...
, drug, chemical, and biotechnology companies have a vested interest in treating the disease rather than finding ways to minimize its rate of incidence. Recent studies show that breast cancer is linked to several environmental and genetic factors which can be controlled or mitigated.
See also
- List of health-related charity fundraisers
- Pink ribbonPink ribbonThe pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the color pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer....
- Pink BridgePink bridgeThe Pink Bridge of Huntington, West Virginia is a concrete arch bridge spanning Four Pole Creek at 8th Street that was painted pink during late October to mid November 2006 to raise awareness of breast cancer...
- Pink Hijab Day
External links
- US National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website
- Welcome to Cancerland, an essay by journalist and breast cancer survivor Barbara Ehrenreich on the culture and marketing of breast cancer
- Breast Cancer Awareness Information Graphic