October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month seeks to increase public understanding of breast cancer.

The month focuses on educating the public about risk factors and symptoms while emphasizing the importance of early detection through regular screenings and self-examinations.

During this time, numerous organizations provide resources for patients, survivors, and their families, including support groups and counseling services. Various events and activities, such as walks and runs, help raise funds for breast cancer research and support programs.

Advocacy efforts during this month also seek policy changes to improve healthcare access and funding for research initiatives. People are encouraged to educate themselves and others, participate in local or virtual events, wear pink to show support, and donate to organizations dedicated to breast cancer research and awareness.

Notable organizations such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and American Cancer Society offer extensive information, support services, and opportunities for engagement during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.

Here are some highlights commemorating the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month:

Gustaf Salford:

“In January, we at Elekta kicked off the Pink Ribbon Challenge, a company-wide initiative that brought us all closer together. This week, our people from around the globe participated in local races or ran independently to support the Elekta Foundation Foundation and their important work around breast cancer prevention.

Following the progress of colleagues in cities like Crawley, Shanghai, Veenendaal, Helsinki and Beijing – with many more to come – has been an amazing journey. And Celia Cody, a two-time cancer survivor, ran with us in Stockholm, inspiring everyone to cross the finish line.

This morning, I had the incredible experience of running my final kilometers past the monuments in Washington, D.C. alongside my Elekta teammates in town for ASTRO24.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Elekta who have been a part of this journey – it’s been a heartwarming experience to see your photos and videos from the races around the world.”

Fumiko Ladd Chino:

“October is breast cancer awareness month but people with metastatic breast cancer live with their diagnosis year-round. Public education and advocacy must keep pace. MBC is Here All YearStage IV needs MORE. Appreciate this campaign from MBC Alliance.”

UICC:

“UICC is amplifying its efforts to raise Breast Cancer Awareness in support of WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative. To advance this, UICC is launching new initiatives, including an advocacy handbook and an online course for its members.”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus:

“Breast Cancer is the most common cancer, with around 2.3 million new cases every year. As we kick off breast cancer awareness month, WHO calls on partners and experts to help us raise awareness about the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and the need to provide support for people with lived experience.

No one should face breast cancer alone.”

Aung Lin Aung:

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Empowering Patients Through Early Treatment and Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early detection and innovative treatment options.

As a radiation oncologist, I am passionate about empowering patients with knowledge and advanced care.

One of the groundbreaking techniques in breast radiotherapy is ‘Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)’.
This method involves patients taking a deep breath and holding it during radiation treatment, which helps to move the heart and lungs out of the radiation field, thereby minimizing exposure to these critical organs. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with left-sided breast cancer, significantly reducing the risk of long-term cardiac complications.

Early detection and treatment are crucial. When breast cancer is caught early, the chances of successful treatment and survival increase dramatically. Encouraging regular screenings and mammograms can save lives.

Empowering patients with information about their treatment options, including the benefits of DIBH, helps them make informed decisions about their care. Let’s continue to support and educate each other, fostering a community of strength and resilience.

Together, we can make a difference.”

AstraZeneca:

“Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on progress for patients as we continue striving for even better outcomes.

Significant improvements have been achieved since Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in the mid-1980s. However, breast cancer remains the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia, with an estimated 21,000 people diagnosed and more than 3,300 losing their lives each year.

As Cassie (pictured), who helped to inform our ‘Out from the Shadows’ report into the reality of living with metastatic breast cancer, reflects: “It’s about creating a more hopeful and informed future, not only for ourselves, but for the generations to come.”

As outlined in a Pharma In Focus article by our Oncology Business Unit Director Heather Cahill, AstraZeneca is committed to ensuring patients are supported with earlier, faster and fairer access to diagnosis and treatment, no matter their type or stage of breast cancer.

You can access our ‘Out from the Shadows’ report here.”

Ginny Mason:

“Pinktober is upon us once again. Companies will compete with pink marketing schemes designed to make you think you’re supporting breast cancer research. DON’T let corporations get tax credit for YOUR donation! Support research and patient services NOT big business. Choose who YOU want to support!”

Lauren Huffmaster:

“As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m reminded of the importance of showing up authentically, both in the face of cancer and in everyday life.

We all face a choice: to show up as our authentic selves or to hide. For me, this choice became clear in the decision to cover my head or go bald. Going bald felt like embracing the fear often tied to breast cancer. The question became, ‘Am I enough without my hair?’

I knew I couldn’t align myself with actions that reinforced fear and shame. So, I chose to go bald—not for anyone else, but for me. It serves as a reminder that I am not defined by my hair, and cancer cannot touch the foundation of who I am.

Whether cancer has impacted you or not, I challenge you to embrace your true self. You are enough just as you are.”

Douglas Flora:

“Kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month is always one of my favorite times of the year. It’s filled with powerful events focused on raising awareness, improving lives, and bringing hope to those who need it most.

Our 30 Cincinnati Men Wear Pink ambassadors will be hosting events, wearing pink, raising funds, and—most importantly—having lifesaving conversations to help end breast cancer for everyone. If you can, please support their efforts along the way!

This week, the American Cancer Society released Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2024, showing that breast cancer mortality rates have dropped by an incredible 44% since 1989. But not everyone has benefited equally from this progress, and there’s still more work to be done to close those gaps. With your support, we’ll keep pushing forward so this life-saving progress reaches everyone who needs it.”

American cancer Society Journals:

“Just published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians! A new report from American Cancer Society shows Breast Cancer rates continue to rise at a faster pace in women younger than 50 years compared to those 50 or older.

‘The encouraging news is breast cancer mortality rates continue to decrease thanks to advances in early detection and treatment,’ said Angela Giaquinto, associate scientist, cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study. “But future progress may be thwarted by increasing incidence, especially among younger women, and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as delayed diagnosis due to interruptions in screening.”

Find the full statistics article for free below.”

GENDRO.ORG:

“Gender in equality in society increases women’s vulnerability to cancer risk factors, limits access to accurate health information, and reduces the quality of health services they receive.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of premature death among women, claiming nearly half a million lives in 2020. These losses could be prevented by eliminating gender bias and incorporating sex and gender perspectives in research.

Read more interesting numbers and facts in The Lancet Commission Report on Women, Power and Cancer.

Let’s drive a change together.”

ACS National Breast Cancer Roundtable:

“It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At the American Cancer Society National Breast Cancer Roundtable, we’re committed to advancing research, improving care, and supporting everyone affected by breast cancer through collective action. Learn more.”

Transforming Breast Cancer together:

“This October, we highlight the fight against breast cancer Join us in supporting women across Europe as we advocate for better care and treatment.”

American Cancer Society:

“1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but some are more at risk than others.​
That’s why American Cancer Society is working to provide free mammograms, fund lifesaving research, and more – to create a future without breast cancer as we know it for everyone.​
View the full Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2024 report.”

Vida Tajiknia:

“Cancer Research is our secret weapon in the fight against Breast Cancer. So, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s shine a light on the badass breakthroughs that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

ACS National Breast Cancer Roundtable:

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you are a healthcare professional, advocate, survivor, or supporter, there is a role for YOU in this fight.

At the American Cancer Society National Breast Cancer Roundtable, we are committed to uniting experts and advocates to drive progress in the fight against breast cancer. Through the power of partnership and collective action, the ACS NBCRT is accelerating progress to tackle the most complex challenges across the breast cancer continuum.

This month, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing research, improving care, and supporting every individual touched by breast cancer.

Want to learn more about what we’re doing? View the ASC NBCRT 5 Year Strategic Plan here.”

Vanderbilt Radiation Oncology:

“VUMC radiation oncology pink-out! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, what a team!”

More posts featuring Breast Cancer on oncodaily.com
Male Breast Cancer: What patients should know about