Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is observed globally from October 1 to 31 every year to raise awareness about breast cancer and its impact worldwide.
Theme for 2024:
The theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 is “No one should face breast cancer alone.”
- This theme emphasizes the importance of support for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting the challenges they may face in isolation.
Symbol:
i.The Pink Ribbon is the international symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It represents hope and solidarity for individuals affected by breast cancer.
ii.Introduced in the early 1990s, the pink ribbon has become a universal emblem of the fight against breast cancer, serving as a reminder of the importance of support for patients and the ongoing need for research.
iii.In a global effort to raise awareness about Breast Cancer, October has been designated as “Pink Month”
Background:
BCAM was first observed in October 1985, initiated by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries.
- It aimed to promote mammography as a primary tool for early detection.
Evolution of the Pink Ribbon :
i.The Susan G. Komen Foundation, established in 1982, the world’s leading breast cancer organization has been a pioneer in the breast cancer movement, using the color pink to symbolize its commitment to the cause.
ii.In 1992, Evelyn H. Lauder, a key figure in breast cancer awareness, co-created the pink ribbon as a symbol for the cause.
- As the senior corporate vice president of Estée Lauder Companies, she played a significant role in promoting breast cancer research and education. Lauder established the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993, furthering efforts to support research initiatives.
Note– The original pink ribbon inspiration colour was Peach.
About Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease that affects millions globally, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in breast tissue. While primarily impacting women, men can also develop this condition.
- The disease can start in different parts of the breast, including ducts or lobules, and may spread to nearby lymph nodes and other body parts if not detected early.
Symptoms:
Recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer is crucial for early diagnosis. Key signs include:
- A hard or irregular lump in the breast is often the first noticeable symptom.
- Swelling, skin irritation, or dimpling can indicate underlying issues.
- Unusual discharge, redness, or a change in size or shape can be concerning.
Facts:
i.Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with 2.3 million diagnoses and 670,000 deaths in 2022.
ii.Significant risk factors include gender (predominantly affecting women), age, obesity, and certain reproductive histories. Genetic factors also play a role in some cases.
iii.Regular self-examinations and mammograms, especially for women over 40, are recommended to identify any changes in breast health
Initiatives:
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% annually by 2040.
- With approximately 2.3 million new cases reported each year, this month encourages communities to come together, share knowledge, and promote early detection, support those effected by disease, raise funds for research, prevention and treatment.
Breast Cancer in India:
i.As per Global Cancer Observatory, International Agency for Research on Cancer(ICAR)-WHO, 2022, the breast cancer is the most common type of cancer globally with estimated mortality cases of 6,65,255 for the year 2022 among females.
ii.India ranks highest in number of estimated breast cancer deaths (98,337) for the year 2022 among females.
