The possibility of developing breast cancer is a constant threat to women around the world. One in eight women in the United States (US) will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotes continuous research, local and global display of support, and a search for prevention throughout October, according to foxchase.org.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness, educate the public, and fund research into the causes, treatment, and cure of breast cancer. This month also serves as a dedicated time for people to reflect on the impact of breast cancer, honor lives lost, and celebrate survivors for their strength and resilience. In October 1985, organizers of the breast cancer awareness campaign inaugurated Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote mammograms in an effort to prevent and treat this disease, according to america.sullair.com. The American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries continue to spearhead this movement and strive to bring greater awareness and funding. These efforts aim to improve early detection and treatment, as early screening allows medical professionals to catch breast cancer at its most treatable point.
Mrs. Lisa Lyons-Young, Sacred Heart Greenwich Director of Summer Programs and Lower School Library Assistant, has been courageously battling breast cancer since 2017. Mrs. Lyons-Young emphasized the importance of bringing awareness to young girls about breast cancer and the significance of preventative medicine. She discussed the significance of encouraging support for a cure and inspiring a future of hope for women.
“Bringing awareness to breast cancer is important because preventative medicine is the […] best chance [at] stopping this disease,” Mrs. Lyons-Young said. “If by chance you [find] something going on with your body, it is imperative to bring attention to it, as preventative medicine can help.”
Preventive medicine plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of breast cancer through strategies such as early detection and lifestyle changes. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are among the most commonly prescribed medications to help reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly for individuals at high risk. Doctors typically use these drugs before considering more aggressive treatments and they work by targeting and inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells, according to komen.org.
In addition, Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights public education and, ultimately, prevention. The movement works to increase knowledge of the symptoms of breast cancer, as well as prevention methods, including steps for a self-examination. Breast Cancer Awareness Month also aims to fund research through races, walks, social media campaigns, and other events. Researchers raise funding to develop new therapies and targeted treatments that improve patient health. Awareness extends beyond one country or region and has a universal reach spanning across nations such as Germany, South Korea, India, Israel, and Japan. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that breast cancer is a worldwide health concern that affects women and, in rare cases, men, around the world. International collaboration during this month leads to the sharing of practices, research findings, and resources to combat the disease on a global scale, according to breastcancer.org.
Throughout the month of October, many historical landmarks illuminate in pink, symbolizing support for the cause. Welcoming millions of visitors daily, these landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, Christ the Redeemer, the White House, and the Empire State Building according to cbsnews.com.
One impactful event is the annual Pink Runway hosted by the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center in Brooklyn. For this event, survivors model fashionable clothing to celebrate their resilience and the joys of life. This year, they will dedicate all the proceeds to purchasing radio imaging equipment to increase the Center’s breast imaging capacity by 20 percent. The Pink Runway is a lively celebration of life, featuring breast cancer survivors who walk the runway to pay tribute to their experiences and celebrate new beginnings. This event aims to raise awareness and emphasize the significance of early detection, according to gopinkrunway.org.
From local to global efforts, individuals and organizations unite to spread breast cancer awareness. Through education, public events, and international collaborations, this movement inspires strength among women, whose ongoing fight exemplifies courage and resilience.
Featured Image by Ellie Furman ’26
