"Pink October" is an international breast cancer awareness initiative, with the aim of inspiring change and mobilizing society to fight breast cancer, which takes place annually during the month of October. The initiative's main objective is to alert people, especially women, about the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer - which is one of the main causes of death among women worldwide.
The origins of Pink October date back to the nineties, when the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, a non-profit organization in the United States, distributed pink ribbons to participants in the Race for the Cure - a street race held in New York to raise funds for breast cancer research. The color pink was chosen because it is a symbol of femininity and the idea spread quickly, leading to the adoption of this color as a symbol of breast cancer awareness and fight.
Since then, Pink October has gained a vast dimension and has become a global campaign. During the month of October, iconic buildings, monuments and public places in many countries are lit up pink to draw attention to the cause. In addition, various organizations, health institutions, companies and communities carry out a variety of activities to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Pink October’s main objectives are:
- Awareness: promote awareness about breast cancer, raise awareness of its risks and the importance of early detection; The programs raise society's awareness of solidarity and support for people affected by this pathology.
- Education: Provide information about prevention, mammography screenings, and self-examinations.
- Fundraising: Many campaigns and events during Pink October raise funds for research and support programs related to breast cancer.
- Encourage the performance of diagnostic tests: Pink October campaign aims to encourage women to have regular mammograms and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
‘’In 2020, in our country, it is estimated that 7000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 1800 died from this disease. Despite being the most common type of cancer in women (with the highest number of cases), around 1 in every 100 breast cancers develop in men.’’ (in https://www.ligacontracancro.pt/outubrorosa/)
The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully known, but there are some risk factors that can increase its origin:
- Age: 80% of all types of breast cancer occur in women over 50;
- Genetics: changes in certain genes, transmitted by parents, are responsible for around 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases;
- Excess weight: increases the risk of developing breast cancer;
- Tobacco consumption or excessive alcohol consumption: these are associated with the development of various cancers, including breast cancer;
- Menarche at an early age / late menopause: the first menstruation at an early age (before the age of 12) and a late menopause (after the age of 55) are risk factors for breast cancer.
By carrying out regular screening through routine exams, if the diagnosis is made and treatments are carried out early, breast cancer has a cure rate of over 90%.
Early detection of breast cancer is essential for a more favorable prognosis. Therefore, women should have regular mammograms, have clinical breast exams, and be aware of any changes in the breasts, such as lumps, persistent pain, skin changes, or abnormal discharge. If there is cause for concern, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a more detailed assessment.
Breast cancer can affect women of any age group, but the incidence varies throughout life. Age is in fact one of the main risk factors for breast cancer and the majority of cases occur in older women, however, early detection, regardless of age, is crucial!
This type of cancer can be more or less silent - we must pay full attention to our body! Knowing our breasts from a long time ago, through regular palpation, will help us understand if something is different and if it requires medical observation.
Take care of yourself, always!
Until the end of October, Flow offers 10% on any purchase on our website with the code: PINK10
