What is the pink ribbon breast cancer awareness campaign, when did it become a symbol for the disease and how can you donate?
The pink ribbon has been a symbol of breast cancer for over a decade, and is an international symbol of awareness
October 2017 is breast cancer awareness month, which aims to highlight the importance of research into the condition and fundraising to help make it happen.
The pink ribbon has been an international symbol of breast cancer for years - here is all the information you need to know about the ribbon and the campaign.
Why is the pink ribbon linked to breast cancer?
A little known fact is that the first breast cancer awareness ribbon was peach, not pink.
Charlotte Hayley from Simi Valley, California, was the first woman to wear such a ribbon.
In 1991, she created ribbons by hand in her dining room, that came with messages encouraging Americans to put pressure on the National Cancer Institute to put more money into prevention.
Alexandra Penney, then editor in chief of Self, and Evelyn Lauder, senior vice president of cosmetics company Estee Lauder, saw the marketing potential in linking a ribbon to breast cancer.
Charlotte refused to work with them as they were too commercial, but after legal advice, the two women used pink ribbons instead and the idea quickly spread, becoming the international symbol we know today.
When is breast cancer awareness month and what is it about?
Breast cancer awareness month 2017 began on Sunday 1 October and ends on Tuesday 31 October.
The worldwide annual campaign involves thousands of organisations and highlights the importance of breast awareness, education and research.
Charity Breast Cancer Now has an ambition that, by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live.
What is Wear It Pink and when is it?
On Friday 20 October people are invited to wear pink to raise awareness of breast cancer and raise money towards the cause.
Organised by Breast Cancer Now, the first event was in 2002 and they have raised £30 million since this date for life-saving research.
How can I get involved and donate to breast cancer awareness?
To get involved in Wear It Pink, simply wear pink on the day and encourage classmates or colleagues to donate to the cause.
Schools could hold a non uniform day, and workplaces could hold fundraising sweepstakes or quizzes.
There are ways people can pro-actively campaign to highlight the voices of those with breast cancer, such as emailing politicians to increase awareness of problems - there is more information on the
You can also hold a Big Pink day in October to raise money for breast cancer, with more information and fundraising materials available on the .
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
It’s important for women to remain aware of the appearance and feel of their breasts so they can know if any changes take place they should mention to their doctor.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
- A lump in the breast
- A change in colour, such as the breast becoming red and inflamed
- A change in texture, such as skin dimpling or puckering
- Unusual thickening of the breast tissue that won’t go away
- Pain in part of the breast or armpit
- A change in the direction of the nipple, e.g. it becomes inverted
- A rash or crusting of the nipple and surrounding area
