Cancer Facts and Figures – Cancer Statistics 2010

The color pink, in general, and pink ribbons, in particular, have been used as a means of expressing support for men and women with breast cancer since the early 20^th century.

Every year, in October, hundreds, if not thousands, of items are marked with pink ribbons, colored pink or sold promising a small portion of profit towards breast cancer awareness or research.

A Breast cancer awareness stamp, featuring a pink ribbon, was issued in the United States in 1996. Also, 30 million 25-cent coins bearing a pink ribbon were minted for normal circulation in 2006.

Every October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), money is raised through theme parties or “pink” days. This money is then donated to either breast cancer care or for research on breast cancer.

This breast cancer awareness pink ribbon is also used by some breast cancer related organizations like Pink Ribbon International as a primary symbol.

Breast Cancer Awareness day is celebrated on every fourth Monday of October. This day is used to celebrate the recovery of many patients who have survived this serious illness and to spread awareness among others to be able to eventually find a cure. There are many ways in which this day can be celebrated. A few of the common ones are:

1. Wearing a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon on your lapel.
2. Make arrangements with your employer to let your co-workers wear jeans on this day and in return, collect a $5 donation from each employee towards Breast Cancer research.
3. Hang a breast cancer awareness wreath on your front door and also take one for your office.
4. Host a dinner during which you can collect donations for breast cancer research. You can also ask the guests to each bring a dish instead of hiring expensive caterers, thus saving on your costs.
5. Include news papers. Ask one to do a write up on breast cancer or write an information bearing letter on breast cancer to an editor.

National Breast Care Awareness Month (NBCAM) will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. Since it was started, a quarter of a century ago, NBCAM has been the leader in promoting awareness on breast cancer related issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. As of today, it recognizes that although there have been many achievements in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there is still a lot to be accomplished. On their 25^th anniversary, they remain as dedicated to educating and empowering women in diagnosing their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to look for any changes, scheduling visits regularly and taking annual mammograms with their doctors, adhering to any treatment prescribed and knowing facts about recurrence.

Every year since 1993, the third Friday in October is called National Mammography Day. This was started by Bill Clinton. On this day and throughout the month, women are asked to make mammography appointments. This year, National Mammography Day is on October 16^th.