The Fascinating Backstory of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As you go about your daily life this October, you may notice a particularly popular color: pink.

From football players’ shoes to tiny ribbons and prominent t shirts, the color pink has a special role this month.

Symbolizing breast cancer awareness month, the color pink–particularly the crossed ribbon symbol–serves as a reminder to raise awareness and funding for research into a cure.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women, with nearly a quarter-million cases expected to be newly diagnosed in 2016 alone. Affecting nearly 12% of women, it’s a cancer that remains a constant threat throughout women’s lives.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is the epitome of successful health campaigns–especially those largely targeting women. Established in October of 1985, NBCAM was founded as a partnership between American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (later to become AstraZeneca–producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs).

The campaign was created to promote mammography as the most effective means of combatting the onset of breast cancer.

In 1993, Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate VP of cosmetic company, Estee Lauder Companies, founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to take a pro-active approach to fundraising and research development.

The new foundation established the pink ribbon as its official logo, borrowing from previous uses of the ribbon as a symbol of solidarity and moral support people affected by breast cancer.

The color pink and the ribbon symbol have become the flagship of the NBCAM movement. People have begun supporting the cause in many different ways and fashions, one of the most prominent endeavors is the NBCAM’s relationship with the NFL.

For the past seven years, the NFL has begun implementing the color and symbol into on-field designs as well as uniforms and commercials. This year they’ll be hosting A Crucial Catch Day, a nationwide event providing information and education about how to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Additionally, the money made from sales of pink NFL merchandise is donated to CHANGE, a program providing outreach and breast cancer screenings.

The long, progressive history of our country’s recognition and support for those suffering from or having survived breast cancer has led to billions of dollars being raised for the cause. To further inform yourself on the NBCAM and learn about the most effective ways of addressing breast cancer, visit here.