By: Ariana Siu and Artus Siu
Fact – men can develop breast cancer too. According to current trends, it is estimated that 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with such a disease in 2022 alone, taking up a quarter of all new cancer cases. October is the month of breast cancer awareness. During this time, advocates around Canada and the United States seek to celebrate medical breakthroughs, spread awareness in prevention methods, and raise funds for life-saving research and treatment of breast cancer.
The campaign started in October 1985, when the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries formed a partnership to promote education about this type of cancer. Their promotion of mammograms, an X-ray which detects breast cancer, saved lives. If discovered early, the mortality rate of patients significantly decreases. Read on about ways you can support the cause!
Become a Volunteer
Advocates can team up as a close-knit fundraising committee. Along with other volunteers, local community events are hosted to bring awareness about breast cancer. From bake sales to raffle tickets, these small groups of volunteers allow people from any corner of the world to join in in support of research and services.
Donations
Charities such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the National Breast Cancer Foundation allocate funds to life-changing prevention, research and support. Whether it is to emergency funds, information helplines or prevention initiatives, donors can match their donations, which means they can choose where their money heads to.
Wear Pink
Pink ribbons honour survivors and remember those who have succumbed to the crippling disease. Throughout the month of October, a pink shirt or a pink ribbon can be worn to express your unwavering support towards the initiatives. This also spreads the word to other people.
Since 1986, the female breast cancer death rate has dropped by 48%. This has been great progress. Clinical trials are opening up new treatment options. However, there is still much work to be done. Let’s work together to combat this terrible disease while showing compassion to those who are suffering.
Donate to charities in support of this mission:
Canadian Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Information, Awareness & Donations
American Cancer Society
Works Cited
National Breast Cancer Foundation: Breast Cancer Information, Support & Donations, https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/. Accessed 21 October 2022.
American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin, https://www.cancer.org/. Accessed 21 October 2022.
“Home.” YouTube, https://cancer.ca/en/about-us?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsmaBhCvARIsAIbEbH4ugB8AqAYP68o8OBZKTGqr0AO0UuswQdBwJ-B5BEgIfpKtxrDQtO4aAu5XEALw_wcB. Accessed 21 October 2022.
“How October & Pink Became Associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Sullair.” Sullair Air Compressors, https://america.sullair.com/en/blog/how-october-pink-became-associated-breast-cancer-awareness-month. Accessed 20 October 2022.
“Pink Ribbon on Pink Surface · Free Stock Photo.” Pexels, https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-ribbon-on-pink-surface-3900426/. Accessed 20 October 2022.“6 reasons to celebrate breast cancer awareness month – Canadian Cancer Society.” Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/stories/2020/6-reasons-to-celebrate-breast-cancer-awareness-month. Accessed 20 October 2022.
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