Awareness/Event promotions Articles

History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Established in 1985, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is recognized annually each October. Its goal: to promote the fight against breast cancer by raising awareness of early detection with regular mammograms. In 1993, the pink ribbon became a prevalent symbol for breast cancer thanks to Estee Lauder Companies' senior corporate vice president, Evelyn Lauder, who founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

About Breast Cancer

There is no known cause of or cure for breast cancer. Like other forms of cancer it is a disease that occurs when malignant cells form in otherwise healthy tissue. There are various types of breast cancer, which are categories by where the malignant cells begin: the ducts or lobules. The most common type of breast cancer is Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). If caught early, breast cancer is very treatable and offers an excellent survival rate.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

While scientists still do not know what causes breast cancer, there are a few known contributing factors to the risk:

• Low vitamin D levels
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Dense breasts
• Drinking alcohol
• Using hormone replacement therapy
• Menstrual history
• Breastfeeding history
• Pregnancy history
• Being overweight
• Race/ethnicity
• Breast changes
• Radiation
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Genetics
• Family history
• Age
• Being a woman
• Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Eating unhealthy food
• Light exposure at night
• Exposure to chemicals:
  • when food is grilled or prepared
  • in water
  • in sunscreen
  • in plastic
  • for lawns and gardens
  • in food
  • in cosmetics

Visit BreastCancer.org to learn more about each of the risk factors above.

U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics

• One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime
• Aside from lung cancer, breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer
• More than one in four cancers in women are breast cancer
• There were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in 2010
• About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease
• Gender and age play the most significant role in breast cancer risk factors (females over the age of 60 are at greatest risk)

Breast Cancer Symptoms & Treatment

Early signs of breast cancer include nipple discharge, change in how the breast or nipple feels (tenderness or thickening), or changes in the appearance of the breast or nipple (size or texture). Sometimes these signs are not noticeable, which is why regular monthly self-breast exams should be an important part of every woman's routine. In addition, yearly mammograms are recommended for women 40 and over.

Depending on the type and stage of breast cancer, there are various treatment options available including:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapies
• Holistic medicine

Other treatments include treatments for pain and side effects as well as drugs for risk reduction.

Promoting Breast Cancer Awareness

You can get involved and help promote breast cancer awareness this October with breast cancer awareness promotional products and giveaways for fundraisers and events. So start doing your part to spread awareness and make a difference!

About the Author: Darcy Elizabeth is an e-marketing specialist for Motivators, a Long Island based promotional products distributor. The company's website, Motivators.com boasts a fantastic selection of promotional products to create the best marketing value for your brand.