Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual worldwide health campaign that takes place in the month of October. The initial idea behind the movement was to raise awareness and funds for the disease in order to encourage research for prevention, diagnosis, cures and treatment.
The very first organised attempt to establish worldwide attention for breast cancer occurred in October 1985 in the United States. The campaign aimed to educate people about the disease and encourage women to go for their screenings to improve their chances of an early diagnosis. This effort went on to inspire others to support the movement.
One of the individuals who sought inspiration was Evelyn H. Lauder; the founder of make-up brand, Estee Lauder. In 1993, she established the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to generate money solely for the cause and came up with the iconic pink ribbon as the symbol for breast cancer, which is instantly recognisable today.
The ribbon become the insignia of breast cancer which united women across the world and gave them a sense of hope, but the vibrant colour pink has now been used in support of breast cancer awareness in a variety of mediums; whether it be flyers, clothing and websites. Estee Lauder has raised an astonishing $70 million for breast cancer research since 1993.
Although the campaign initially started more than 30 years ago, it’s more prominent than ever today; with iconic buildings being illuminated in pink throughout October in support of the cause and people deciding to take part in charity walks and runs to raise money.
How can you get involved?
There are a number of ways you can take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Why not arrange a fundraising event at work or in local schools by asking your colleagues and students to wear pink and make a small donation to Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer?
Come evening time, you could host your own ‘pink party’, in which you can enjoy a fun get-together with the girls and still raise money in the process. Throughout the private event, you could hold a raffle, encourage small donations for drinks or even have an informal auction on items each of your guests have brought along.
You could also physically challenge yourself to raise funds throughout the year for Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer, by taking part in charity runs or climbs and asking people to sponsor you. Check out more fun fundraising ideas here!
Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer are also holding their very own events throughout the next few months that you may like to get involved with. Here is just a selection:
9th October – Ruinart Champagne Evening
20th October – Open Wellness Day
9th November – Mandy’s 10 Year Cancer Survival Ball
Keep an eye on the calendar for further Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer fundraising events.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_Cancer_Awareness_Month
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month
https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/about-us/news-personal-stories/history-pink-ribbon
