Pink. Many immediately think of the notable clothing line. Others think of a more symbolic meaning; that of love, compassion and feminism. Specifically for October however, it holds a larger and more concrete meaning.
This month is celebrated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). NBCAM is held annually in October as an effort to bring awareness to breast cancer around the world. Various charities and organizations help raise money towards discovering the causes of the disease, its prevention and eventual cure.
On a school-wide level, the volleyball and field hockey teams show support for NBCAM. The AHS volleyball teams held their “Block Out Breast Cancer Night” on October 18 to raise funds for breast cancer. The teams sold baked goods along with anti-breast cancer merchandise. People who wore pink apparel were admitted at the discounted price of $3 into the game against West Potomac.
“I thought the energy was great,” varsity volleyball coach Jan Austin said. “We played really well and raising over $600 for breast cancer was a big positive too.”
The field hockey teams also helped raise awareness for breast cancer. Players had their sticks decorated with pink ribbon stickers and wore pink shoelaces to show support. Bake sales were also held after school and during the game.
Senior Yanira Guerra has been taking part in one of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s many events throughout the year to help the fight. “I help raise awareness by participating in the Race for the Cure in DC every year,” Guerra said.
Founded in 1985, NBCAM was joint project by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and part of the Imperial Chemical Industries in an attempt to urge women to have mammograms. These exams would promote the early detection of breast cancer in order to combat it at an early stage.
According to the ACS, breast cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer among women in the U.S., behind lung cancer. If it is detected early, the disease can be treated before it begins to spread to other parts of the body. Men can also be diagnosed with the cancer; however the total cases are minute compared to women. The life expectancy of individuals affected by breast cancer, if treated at an early stage, is comparable to healthy individuals at that age. This neutralization of breast cancer is one of the many goals those supporting NBCAM hope to spread.
“I think [NBCAM] does enough to bring awareness,” senior Kelsey Pendergast said. “Once everyone sees the pink, they immediately think of breast cancer and people are really creative with what they do to show support for those who have it.”
The most commonly associated symbol with NBCAM has been the pink ribbon. Founded in the early 1990’s by Alexandra Penney and Evelyn Lauder, it has symbolized the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception, the ribbon has been a staple and a mainstay of many campaign efforts.
Junior Amelie Trieu shares the same sentiments towards the symbolism behind the pink ribbon.
“Because breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, by setting aside a month for those that have it is special since it brings awareness and symbolizes women and empowerment,” Trieu said.
The month’s meaning has become increasingly visible to the general public through its promotion by many professional sports leagues, most notably the NFL and its A Crucial Catch Campaign. Players have donned pink equipment for the month to show support for the campaign.
Several food manufacturers have shown their support for NBCAM as well. Many food packages have included the pink ribbon on it specifically for October. More specifically, Tic Tac has produced a white and pink colored mints for NBCAM.
Increased awareness throughout the year is what the ACF and organizations like the Komen Foundation hope to ultimately achieve. NBCAM is only a component in a much larger effort to combat breast cancer.
