Every October we see the hues of pink cruising on the billboards, tv advertisements, and social media. Even, monuments like the Minar-e-Pakistan are lit up in shades of pink. We see people wearing a pink ribbon on their shirts the entire month. Along with that, many organizations also celebrate the month of October in the significance of spreading awareness of one of the most prevailing cancers in Pakistan: Breast-Cancer.
Who started the pink ribbon campaign?
In 1992, Evelyn Lauder, an American businesswoman, created the pink-ribbon campaign with her friend Alexandra Penney.
The purpose of the pink ribbons was to remind women about the importance of breast examinations and spread awareness. However, it took three years before people finally recognized the concept and for it to become a defining symbol for the awareness of breast cancer. Later on, the month of October came to be signified as the breast cancer awareness month.
Lauder herself was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007 and passed away in 2011. She left a massive legacy behind; to spread the awareness of breast cancer. It has helped many women take preventative measures. Now, every October is signified for educating women to self-examine themselves. Lauder has done her job, therefore, it is up to us that we give time to our health and carry this legacy as far as possible.
Prevalence in Pakistan
Every year, about one million women are diagnosed with breast cancer around the world. In Pakistan, one in every nine women is at risk of breast cancer. In fact, Pakistan has the highest prevailing rate of the disease in South Asia. It is not a poor or a rich person’s disease. Any woman, from any part of the country, is at the risk of acquiring it equally. Although, rural areas are more sensitive due to lack of education, awareness, and medical facilities. Moreover, the stigma attached to this further leaves these women helpless.
Pinktober
Many organizations and hospitals in Pakistan like Shaukat Khanum are working to spread its awareness and trying to reach as far as possible in the rural areas of Pakistan. Similarly, one of the largest awareness campaigns is the Pinktober campaign founded by the Pink Ribbon organization. The founder of this campaign is Pakistan’s entrepreneur Omer Aftab who has dedicated his time to spread awareness about breast cancer. He realizes how big of a health crisis it prevails in Pakistan, thus, he is working towards building Pakistan’s first breast cancer hospital in Lahore. Every October, the Pinktober campaign runs in full swing in the significance of spreading awareness. Along with that, Pinktober also raises funds for the construction of the Pink Ribbon Hospital.
Our Small Effort
We at IBA Today are inspired by the efforts of these organizations and hospitals. We understand the severity of this problem.
Therefore, this October, we are also contributing our help in spreading awareness about breast cancer. We will be publishing factual articles as well as techniques for Breast-Self Examination. Plenty of other things will go live in the upcoming weeks for the campaign. Indeed, we hope to make a difference for the warriors of this battle and help them in any way we can.
One thought on “The Significance of October”
Can’t wait for the whole campaign to unfold 💕