A History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was established in 1985 and is still recognized every October in America. The goal of the awareness initiative is to promote fighting the disease by educating women on the importance of early detection and regular mammograms. By 1993, the pink ribbon had become a popular symbol for the fight against breast cancer thanks to Senior Corporate Vice President of Estee Lauder Companies, Evelyn Lauder. Lauder would go on to found The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Breast Cancer Facts

Unfortunately, there is still a lot we don’t know about breast cancer and what causes it. We do know that breast cancer is a disease that arises when harmful, or malignant, cells begin to form in healthy tissue. Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer. However, it can be treated and survived if caught early on.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Although researchers are not 100 percent certain about what can cause breast cancer, they have categorized the following as contributing factors:

• Vitamin D deficiency
• Cigarette smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Dense breasts
• Alcohol consumption
• Use of hormone replacement therapy
• Breastfeeding history
• Pregnancy history
• Being overweight or obese
• Race and ethnicity
• Changes in breasts
• Exposure to radiation
• Family history of breast cancer
• Age
• Gender
• Coming in contact with Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Unhealthy diet
• Night time light exposure
• Various chemicals found in:
  • Food
  • Water
  • Sunblock
  • Plastics
  • Lawn care products
  • Makeup

As you can see, there is far too much we still don’t know about breast cancer, its causes, and a cure. That’s why National Breast Cancer Month is such an important awareness initiative. Get involved this October; distribute breast cancer awareness promotional products at local fundraisers and walks.