Breast Cancer Awareness Month - why pink?

Why is the breast cancer awareness month associated with the color pink? What is it supposed to make us aware of? How will pink help women beat cancer?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and around the world pink lights are being used to illuminate famous landmarks and buildings. In Beijing Estee Lauder got an early start on the 15th September when they helped light up the Water Cube. This was part of the company's Global Landmark Illumination Initiative. In Arizona the canal bridge that joins Scottsdale Waterfront to Southbridge is being lined with pink lights. Pink gown events are being held, ribbons are being sold and even pink food items are being used to raise awareness and funds.

But why pink and what is the goal of this months campaign?

Pink is the color associated with breast cancer, but not long ago it was simply a pretty color that girls wore. Perhaps because pink is associated with femininity and women are the main victims of breast cancer it became the color for breast cancer awareness. When we think of pink we think of little females.

So how does it help if you wear something pink this month, put on a pink ribbon, buy a pink bumper sticker or light a pink light?

Pink to raise awareness

Most importantly it is awareness of the easiest way to prevent the disease, and that is regular doctors check ups, mammograms and self exams. Women who know they should be checked are reminded and women who did not know get the vital information.

When people see these pink reminders, they are reminded that a cure has not yet been found. During breast cancer month the color pink will remind people to donate towards breast cancer research. Just the fact that the colorful pinks will keep us talking and writing about the disease will assure that the sufferers are not forgotten and that we remember those that have already been lost and those that can still be helped by being aware and diligent in the care of themselves.

Pink to raise funds

Perhaps the biggest impact that breast cancer month's pink campaign will have, will be on the governments and those that fund research. There are so many good causes, and unresolved medical issues that those in power have a hard time deciding where to put the money. Seeing the world rallying around the breast cancer cause, and having the visual reminder of all the pink ribbons, keeps the breast cancer issue at the forefront and reminds those in power of the urgency to find a cure.

So wearing a pink ribbon or participating in some other pink event makes women aware of the need to get themselves regularly checked by a doctor, and reminds us and our governments that the breast cancer issue is important and needs funding for research.