We are now well into October, meaning that we are well into Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). Sure, everyone is probably familiar with pink bows, pink fundraising stickers in business’ windows, even pink socks on NFL players. Some of us may even have personal ties to the effects of breast cancer. But do we really know all that this month of awareness encompasses?

 

Major breast cancer charities in the United States coined the phrase National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to unify the nation annually in one month of recognition for the disease that affects so many people. According to U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime, making this disease a highly discussed subject. And that’s not including the predicted 63,960 non-invasive cases that would be discovered this year.

​

Although this issue is prominent year-round, these charities chose October to really increase awareness of the disease while also further raising funds to increase research in cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Information and support is also increasingly provided to families affected by breast cancer. One of the major pushes during this month is to get women to utilize early screenings and tests.

​

In fact, when the National BCAM was implemented by the American Cancer Society in October 1985, the aim was to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Since then, the campaign has burst into a largely recognized movement, even introducing Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week as the third week in October. While male breast cancer is rare, it is often overlooked, causing male breast cancer advocacy groups to push for this week of recognition.

​

Annual fundraisers typically take place in local areas across the country to further publicize this awareness campaign. One of the major events in the Erie area is the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, with 120 similar walks nationwide. This year’s walk was set to take place this past Saturday, October 6th at Frontier Park. However, it was canceled last minute due to inclement weather. Announcements for an alternate walk date will be made soon for later in this month (Helpful hint: it is a great opportunity for clubs or individuals to get involved in making a difference). So far, teams and individuals for this fundraising event have raised $53,943 this year.

​

The fountain at Perry Square in downtown Erie has also been modified to light up in pink for the remainder of the month. On last Tuesday, October 2nd, Erie Mayor Joe Schember lit the fountain at a nighttime program to bring awareness to breast cancer. East Middle School students performed songs and personal testimonies were given by cancer survivors, breast surgeons, and a local Real Men Wear Pink representative. Area schools also take part in pink breast cancer awareness sports games, as is the case in many schools around the nation. Individually, pink ribbons and clothes symbolize personal support to the cause throughout the month.

​

As for the rise in awareness efforts this month, although early screenings cannot completely prevent breast cancer, early findings have been proven easier to treat, causing this large push for awareness to remain pertinent for millions of Americans.