Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in one or both breasts. It occurs when breast cells grow out of control, forming a lump or mass. These cancer cells may spread, or metastasize, into the blood or lymph system and affect the other parts of the body. Breast cancer affects the lives of millions of women, and thousands of men, each year, with hundreds of thousands of them dying from it.
Although breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, there is no cure for it. There are several treatments to stop its progression (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy), but there’s still a risk of it coming back. For this reason, the world raises awareness for breast cancer each year to get as many people involved in helping to raise funds for cancer research and to give life-changing support for breast cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.
When do We Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness?
Breast Cancer Awareness is held annually during the entire month of October. Also known as “Pink October”, this initiative is meant to get people talking about the disease and helps raise funds for its causes, treatments, and research.
This campaign has over three decades of history, and it all started in the year 1985. Through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries, which is now a part of AstraZeneca, the initiative was originally created to encourage women to get regular mammograms. It was a way to promote mammograms as the most effective tool to fight breast cancer. However, with the Former First Lady and breast cancer survivor, Betty Ford, expressing her support, the week-long campaign kicked off and evolved into what it has become today.
Why Pink Is the Chosen Color for Showing Support?
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people and organizations from around the world show their support through various methods. Healthcare organizations, for instance, hold lectures and seminars regarding the current state of breast cancer to educate people about the disease. Others host events, such as fun runs, raffles, and charities, to help raise money for women’s breast health. However, one of the most popular ways of showing one’s support is wearing a pink breast cancer ribbon, as it’s the most accessible way for people to help raise awareness for this disease.
While others may prefer an enamel pin, a t-shirt print, or a design on a wristband, the pink breast cancer ribbon has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness. It’s a symbol that unites breast cancer patients, survivors, and supporters for a common cause, which is to educate the public about its symptoms and prevention, as well as raise funds for its research. The color pink was chosen because it evokes a soothing, comforting, and healing feeling, which is a far cry from what breast cancer really is. The color also represents the courage to fight breast cancer and hope for the future.
Are There Different Breast Cancer Pink Ribbons?
Even though the pastel pink ribbon is the most widely used symbol for showing one’s support for breast cancer awareness, some ribbons come in varying hues of pink and pink color combinations to represent the different types of breast cancers. A hot pink ribbon is for inflammatory breast cancer—a rare type of breast cancer that develops rapidly and is known for making the affected breast swollen and tender. A ribbon that uses pink and blue is for male breast cancer, which 1 in 833 men may be at risk of getting. A teal and pink ribbon is for hereditary and gynecologic breast cancers, which is a category hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) falls under. Finally, a ribbon that has the colors teal, pink, and green, is for metastatic breast cancer, which is a type of cancer that spreads from the breast to the other areas of the body.
Are There Other Awareness Ribbon Colors for Different Cancers?
Breast cancer isn’t the only cancer that comes with its own set of colored ribbons. Other cancers also have their designated ribbon colors and awareness months. Here’s a list of some of them:
Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer covers the different cancers that occur in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands. It’s represented by a white and burgundy ribbon. Head and Neck Cancer Awareness is celebrated in April.
Leukemia and Kidney Cancer
Leukemia is a form of blood cancer that typically starts in the bone marrow while kidney cancer occurs in the kidneys. Both these cancers share the same ribbon color, which is orange. However, Leukemia Awareness Month is in September while Kidney Cancer Awareness Month falls in March.
Childhood Cancer
Gold is the color that represents all cancers that occur during childhood. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month falls in September.
Ovarian Cancer
The color for ovarian cancer awareness is teal. Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, and it’s the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women of any age. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month also occurs in September, but World Ovarian Cancer Day is celebrated on May 8th.
Prostate Cancer
The symbol for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is light blue. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, prostate cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer in men and the fourth most common cancer overall. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month falls in September as well.
Help Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer with Wristband Creation’s Wristbands
Wristband Creation is your trusted partner for high-quality wristbands. Our wristbands are an effective means of spreading awareness about breast cancer, as they can be used in fundraisers, charities, and educational campaigns. We offer a variety of silicone wristbands to cater to your specific needs and budget. Here are some of the most popular wristband products we offer:
Deboss-Fill Wristbands. Using a combination of debossed and printed elements, deboss-fill wristbands create a striking visual impact that will help get your breast cancer awareness message across.
Embossed Wristbands. The distinct feature of embossed wristbands is that their design is physically raised higher than the rest of their surface. This creates a pop-out effect that’ll definitely garner people’s attention.
Imprinted Wristbands. Imprinted wristbands use ink markings to display logos and statements that are relevant to your advocacy. Since the process involves silk screen printing the design on the wristband, it’s our most economical option.
If you have any questions, visit our Contact Us page and fill out the form. You can also email us at sales@wristbandcreation.com or call us at (800) 403-8050.
