What is it, how did it start and why does it matter so much?
As soon as the tenth month of the year begins, everyone starts talking about Pink October and breast cancer prevention, right?
But even though everyone knows the two are connected, few people really know what the campaign is about in depth or how it began.
What is Pink October?
For those who don't know, Pink October (Outubro Rosa, as it is called in Brazil) is an international movement held throughout October to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention and early diagnosis.
Besides reminding women that they need to see a doctor and get mammograms, the campaign also encourages them to get to know their bodies and perform breast self-exams regularly.
When did the campaign begin?
The topic has not always been in the spotlight, though. Pink October only began in the 1990s in the United States, with just a few states running isolated campaigns on the subject.
It was only after the campaign was approved by the US Congress that October was nationally recognized as breast cancer prevention month. In fact, that was when the pink ribbons, the symbol of Pink October, began to appear.
The symbol was launched by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation during the first Race for the Cure, held in New York City in 1990.
At the time, runners were given the pink ribbon to wear during the race, and afterward it began to be handed out in public places, at fashion shows and at other events.
Pink October in Brazil
Pink October took a little longer to reach Brazil. The first sign of the country's involvement in the campaign came in October 2002, when the Ibirapuera Obelisk in São Paulo was lit up in pink.
After that, the event remained low-key for several years. It was only in 2008 that the movement gained momentum, as several Brazilian cities embraced Pink October with campaigns and races and, as in the rest of the world, lit up their main monuments in pink at night.
Pink October and breast cancer
Unfortunately, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the world, which is why it deserves so much attention.
In Brazil, for example, the number of deaths from this type of cancer remains high, mainly because of the large number of late diagnoses, when the cancer is already at an advanced stage.
In the end, although this is a year-round problem, Pink October matters because it gets women to stop, at least once a year, and take care of themselves.
Source: Portal R7, women's section