Pink October awareness: the fight against breast cancer continues

Do you know how Pink October came about? According to the Casa Maringá portal, the campaign was created in the early 1990s, by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. This is an international movement that takes place during this month, to raise awareness of the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. 

In addition to drawing women’s attention to the need to see a doctor and have a mammogram, it also encourages them always to perform breast self-examination.

How did the campaign come about? 

Still, according to the Casa Maringá portal, the subject has not always been as prominent as it is today. Pink October only began in the 90s, in the United States, with only a few states taking isolated actions on the topic. 

It was only after the campaign was approved by the American Congress that the month of October was nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Prevention Month. In fact, it was from there that the pink ribbons, a symbol of the movement, began to appear, launched by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation during the 1st Race for the Cure, held in 1990, in New York City. 

At the time, runners received a pink ribbon to wear during the race. Afterwards, it began to be distributed in public places, fashion shows and other events.

Pink October in Brazil 

In Brazil, Pink October took a little longer to arrive. The first sign of involvement with the campaign here occurred in 2002, when the Obelisco do Ibirapuera, in São Paulo, was illuminated with pink lights. 

After that, the event remained somewhat muted until 2008, when the mobilization gained strength in several Brazilian cities, which embraced Pink October, carrying out campaigns, promoting races and, just like in the rest of the world, lighting the main monuments in pink during the celebration night. 

Although this is a recurring problem throughout the year, Pink October is important because it makes women stop at least once a year to take care of themselves. 

The Beecorp portal recommends some actions to encourage preventive exams to be carried out in the month of October in places such as churches, companies, schools or the headquarters of philanthropic institutions:

• Lectures on the topic; 
• Awareness materials; 
• Donations and volunteer work; 
• Conversation Circle; 
• Themed events and others.

Breast cancer 

According to the National Cancer Institute (Instituto Nacional do Câncer – INCA) website, breast cancer is a disease caused by the disordered multiplication of abnormal cells in the breast, which forms a tumor with the potential to invade other organs. 

Furthermore, there are several types of the disease. Some develop quickly, while others grow slowly. In most cases, when they receive the correct treatment at the right time, have a good result.

Breast cancer in men 

According to the A.C.Camargo portal, the disease normally appears in older men, over 60 years old, and may be more frequent in those whose families have many cases of breast cancer, even in women, and ovarian cancer. In this case, the age of onset may be in younger men. 

However, this disease in males is rare, representing only 1% of total cases.

Cancer in women: the importance of self-examination 

Breast cancer, unfortunately, is the second most common type in the world and, therefore, deserves so much attention. In Brazil, for example, the number of deaths from this type of disease continues to rise, especially because of the large number of late, advanced diagnoses. 

Breast cancer awareness is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment. It is important for women to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and see a doctor immediately if they notice any changes. 

The main signs and symptoms suspected of breast cancer are:

• Lump or nodule in the breast, usually hard, fixed and painless; 
• Reddish or orange peel-like breast skin; 
• Changes in the nipple; 
• Spontaneous release of liquid from one of the nipples; 
• Small nodules on the neck or in the area under the arms.

2nd Race for the Cure 

If you are in the city of São Paulo, participate in the 2nd Race for the Cure, on October 19th. 

Register here.