October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time where attention is brought to the disease, as well as people affected by it. The attention for awareness was initiated by the American Cancer Society in 1985, meaning it has been gaining more attention for the past 37 years. 

Breast cancer is a disease from cancer cells that form in the breast tissue. This disease is not contagious, but can be passed down through blood lines and people can potentially be diagnosed with the disease if it’s found in their family line. 

Lymph nodes, or lumps that can be found under the arms or in breast tissue, can be signs of breast cancer. If lymph nodes are found, one should visit their physician for a proper medical consultation. Other indicators of breast cancer are pain in the breast, skin irritation or swelling, and random discharge from the breast that isn’t breast milk. The disease can spread to the lungs, brain, liver and bones, depending on the stage and how effective the treatment is. Breast cancer can be detected in male and female chests, but the disease has significantly affected the female population more than males. 

Breast cancer is treatable and has been overcome by millions of women, but not everyone has been cured. Researchers and other scientists have yet to find a cure that is effective for all patients. Treatment is highly expensive and a majority of patients struggle to receive the treatment they need in order to survive. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves the purpose of bringing attention to the deadly disease and raising funds for research and treatment for patients. 

The pink ribbon is the symbol that is used to indicate breast cancer. The color represents courage, strength and healing for the people who are or were in the process of battling the disease. The ribbon was originally handed out by 1990s activist Charlotte Haley in a peach color. Hayley wanted to raise awareness about the lack of funding for cancer prevention. Then in 1992, journalist Alexandra Penney wanted to include a piece about Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a magazine. She designed a pink ribbon that she also distributed to stores in New York City.

Breast cancer is a disease that is very common and can affect anyone in any community. Although there is no cure yet, researchers continue to investigate and experiment with other possible treatments.

To learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how to become involved as an activist, click here. To learn more about Breast Cancer, click here.