Organized by major breast cancer charities, Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to the disease and raise funds for research into the prevention, causes, diagnosis, treatments, and cures. The campaign also helps support and provide information to the people affected by breast cancer. Every year the campaign attempts to educate people about the importance of getting tested and screening early for the disease.
So, When Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Despite its growing reputation and participation, many people are still asking the question, when is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins every year on October 1st and runs through October 31st. Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 in a partnership between the pharmaceutical department of Imperial Chemical Industries (now a part of AstraZeneca) and the American Cancer Society it didn’t become official until September 30, 2017, when October was officially declared as National Breast Cancer Month and the White House was lit up in pink lights.
In 1993, the Senior Corporate Vice President of Estee Lauder, Evelyn Lauder, created The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and made the pink ribbon its symbol. In 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had handed out the pink ribbon symbol to participants in a race for the survivors of breast cancer.
What Happens During Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Other than bringing awareness to breast cancer, the entire month of October is also dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Activities that help raise funds for breast cancer research. These include awareness walks and runs, and the National Football League even gets in on the action by incorporating pink items both on the field and off.
One of the most well-known walking events is called the National Race for the Cure. It began in October 1983 in Dallas, Texas, and some 800 people participated. By 2002, that number had increased to 1.3 million people in over 100 cities across the U.S. The event is now being held around the globe.
Breast Cancer Today is another walking event sponsored by Avon. It is a two-day-long; 39-mile walk. The Susan G. Komen Foundation also has a long walk during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a 60-mile walk that spans three days and raises money for breast cancer research. It occurs in seven cities across the United States.
The month of October gets washed in pink, and nearly everywhere you turn, you will run into something pink in support of the campaign. From breast cancer awareness apparel, signs, stickers, and about anything else you can think of, there’s something available for everyone to show their support.
Another popular event that sometimes occurs during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Relay for Life. This is an event of the American Cancer Society that takes place in some 20 countries around the world. They are community events that are often multi-day walks and involved hundreds and even thousands of people. Relay for Life events have raised $5 billion to date for cancer research.
What is Breast Cancer?
Cancer is a term that we all know and fear, at least to a certain degree. It comes in many forms and can affect nearly every single part of our body. Breast cancer means that abnormal cells, or cancer cells, are growing and corrupting healthy cells in the breast tissue. It can spread, or metastasize, to other areas of the body resulting in even further complications.
While many people think of breast cancer as just a disease for women, hence the pink ribbon, it can actually be found in men as well. In 2009, male breast cancer groups A Man’s Pink, Shadow of Pink, and the Brandon Greening Foundation for Breast Cancer in Men joined the October Breast Cancer Awareness Month and established the third week of the month as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
It is estimated that one in eight women in the U.S., or about 12 percent, will develop cancer in their lifetime. In 2018, experts anticipate that approximately 266,120 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and another 63,960 women will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer. While only one percent of the breast cancer diagnosis each year are men, the numbers are still staggering. Experts expect in 2018, some 2,550 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 480 men will die from the disease.
Doing Your Part With Breast Cancer Awareness Apparel
Because so many people and organizations have come together to bring awareness to the disease, treatments for breast cancer have evolved and improved. By donating, volunteering, and fundraising, you can help continue to spread the word and bring awareness to the disease. One of the ways to do that is by wearing a pair of Breast Cancer Awareness Socks or Relay for Life Socks.
MadSportsStuff has joined the fight to support breast cancer awareness through their line of Breast Cancer Awareness Socks. Their large collection of sports socks is defined by the color pink and offers unique designs and patterns for every taste. The designs include camo, pink ribbons, and can even be personalized with your jersey number.
Their awareness socks are perfect for every sport including football, soccer, softball, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, cheering, wrestling, and a variety of other activities. This means that you can sport your breast cancer awareness apparel any time during the year and not just during October!
So, whether you’re spiking a volleyball, clashing helmets on the football field, or participating in a breast cancer awareness walk, MadSportsStuff has just the breast cancer awareness apparel that you need for your feet. They are made to be fashionable, yet durable and are made to last right here in the United States.
Planning Your Own Awareness Event
Now you can answer the question; when is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and plan your own awareness event. Events to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer awareness are common, but many people like to develop a fundraiser of their own. If that is you, there are organizations that are desperate to have the support. Simply find an organization that you are passionate about and organize an event like a walk, run, or even a softball tournament.
Encourage participants to get into the event by sporting their favorite breast cancer awareness apparel, such as breast cancer awareness socks from MadSportsStuff. We all have talents that we can use to assist in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is important to understand that giving isn’t just about raising money.
Just by creating, hosting, and volunteering at your event, you are working to better the cause and bring awareness to breast cancer. If you choose to put the focus on the third week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can focus your efforts on the little-known men’s breast cancer. The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to use your creativity. You’re choosing to do your part in making a difference and that’s the important part.
