Pink October, a name that refers to the color of the pink bow that symbolizes, worldwide, the fight against breast cancer, is an awareness campaign carried out by various entities in the month of October, aimed at society and women about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer.
The idea of a bow being the symbol of the movement was inspired by the gesture of the American Penney Laingen, who wore a yellow accessory in support of her husband and other soldiers kidnapped during the Iranian War in 1979.
The campaign's first pink ribbon was distributed to breast cancer survivors by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation during the Race for the Cure (Race for the Cure), in Washington, in 1990. It was from 1991, the year it was held in New York, that all participants in the event began to win the ribbons.The distribution of bows gained strength in the United States in 1992 when Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of the magazine Self, teamed up with Evelyn Lauder, vice president of cosmetics brand Esteé Lauder. On their initiative, the company began stamping pink bows on the packaging of some of its products and distributing them in its stores.
Currently, many cities decorate streets and squares with pink bows, light up monuments with color and hold awareness events for exams. In addition to traditional controls, such as mammography, self-examination is also essential. If you notice any strange sign, such as lumps, nodules, secretions, breasts that are red or have an abnormal texture, look for a specialized doctor.During the month of October, there is usually an increase of at least 30% in the number of mammograms performed. But, for the campaign to be a success, it is essential that women over 40 schedule their exams.
In Brazil, there are almost 60 new cases of breast cancer per year and the current number of deaths is around 15, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA). That is why the study carried out at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colorado (United States) is so important, which revealed that the percentage of deaths can be reduced by 40% if women aged 40 to 84 years undergo mammography annually.
Remembering that prevention, in addition to the campaigns carried out this month, should continue throughout the year.
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