Breast Cancer Month

Breast Cancer Month: How NBCAM promotes breast cancer awareness

Breast Cancer Month

October has been designated as Breast Cancer Month. The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an organization that’s busy year-round, providing support for breast cancer patients and survivors, their families and friends, their caregivers, and the general public. Read on to know more about what the organization is all about and how it helps many women face and fight this deadly disease.

History

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Sharing its limelight is breast cancer. It is also the leading cause of cancer-related death among women regardless of race. Statistics look grim. This is a very serious issue, and one that needs to be addressed immediately to prevent more women from suffering.

AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company, makes Armidex and Tamoxifen, the primary drugs used in combating breast cancer. In October 1983, the first “Race for the Cure” was held in Dallas, Texas. About eight hundred people joined the initial race. That’s why October has been designated as Breast Cancer Month. Now, more than millions of supporters participate in the annual race. In 1985, AstraZeneca founded NBCAM. NBCAM is a partnership of professional medical associations, national public service organizations, and local government agencies all dedicated to working together for breast cancer awareness.

In 1993, the Estee Lauder Company designed the pink ribbon as the logo of NBCAM, and eventually as a symbol for breast cancer awareness and prevention. Since then, “pink-themed” parties and events are held during Breast Cancer Month to raise awareness and provide support for breast cancer patients and survivors all over the world.

Purpose

NBCAM aims to encourage and promote breast cancer awareness, disseminate related information, and provide access to early screening and medical services to the general public. The organization wants to educate and empower women to take control of their own breast health, practice regular and proper self-breast exams to determine irregularities, and schedule regular medical check-ups and mammograms from their doctors and healthcare providers. The organization also provides 24/7 support from their website, for anyone who wants to ask questions and further assistance.

Breast cancer awareness and empowerment should not only be limited to Breast Cancer Month. We should honor what it means and what it requires us to do year-round.