Historical & Current Events dictionary
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
[ brest kan-ser uh-wair-nis muhnth ]
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a month-long observance dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and to fundraising in support of the development of new ways of treating, detecting, and preventing the disease.
The month is often observed in ways intended to support breast cancer patients, celebrate survivors, and encourage prevention and early detection, especially through regular mammograms.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is among the most well-known awareness months observed in the US. Breast cancer awareness is popularly symbolized with the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon, and both the ribbon and the color pink are featured prominently during the month, such as on clothing and accessories.
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed each year during October.
Where does Breast Cancer Awareness Month come from?
The event that became Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a weeklong observance established by the American Cancer Society and a pharmaceutical company.
The pink ribbon was popularized as a symbol of breast cancer awareness by a 1992 campaign by cosmetics company Estée Lauder.
Examples of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Who uses Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Did you know … ?
- The majority of breast cancer cases are in women, but men can also get breast cancer.
- During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 23 is specifically designated as a day to wear pink—called Wear It Pink Day.
What are other words used in discussion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Breast Cancer Awareness Month that will help our users expand their word mastery.