Every October 19, the World Breast Cancer Day. And in fact, October is the month of awareness and awareness to be able to face this disease. Now, it is no coincidence that this day is celebrated, there are various reasons: what is the Why is this day celebrated on October 19?
The World Health Organization, WHO, established this date, and since 1991 it began to be celebrated. Its origin is due to October 1983, in Texas (United States) the Race for the Cure took place. It became the first initiative to talk about and make this disease known in the streets. And since then, the projects have not stopped. Particularly important are the solidarity races that have taken place around the world. In Spain too, it is a kind of concentration to raise awareness and make this disease much more visible, which can be cured in large numbers provided that there is prior significant prevention.
Breast Cancer Day: why is it celebrated on October 19?
What does the pink ribbon mean?
The pink ribbon has become the international symbol of the fight against breast cancer. It was first used in 1991, during a race in New York organized by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Since then, the pink ribbon has represented solidarity and support for those affected by the disease, both individually and collectively. Every October 19, people around the world wear this distinctive color to show their commitment to the cause and to remember those who have lost the battle against this disease.
Breast cancer is identified by the pink ribbon, introduced by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundationwhich has provided pink visors to survivors of the disease who have been participating in the Marathon for the Cure since the late 1990s.
A few months later, in 1991, every participant in the New York Race received a pink ribbon, but it was only a small detail. As in the 90 the red ribbon against AIDS had a huge impact on society, they were inspired by a campaign to support this cause.
THE Vice President of Estée Lauder, Evelyn Lauder He promised to distribute the pink ribbons across the United States and another activist, Hayley, wanted to justify this fact. Eventually, this pink color was born which would become an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.
Since then, this link and its importance have continued to grow, particularly in October, the month of the fight against disease which takes on particular importance during these days. This year is undoubtedly linked to Covid-19.
What are the causes of the disease
To date, the exact causes of the development of breast cancer are unknown. Research shows that there are certain risk factors that increase your chances of getting it.
- Age: Risk increases with age.
- Family history: Women with first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) have a higher risk of breast cancer. This risk is even higher if you had cancer before menopause.
- Genetic alterations: having mutations in certain genes.
- History of breast cancer: those who have had cancer have a higher risk of developing it in the other breast.
What is breast cancer
According to SEOM, the disease consists of accelerated and uncontrolled proliferation of glandular epithelial cells. These are cells that have considerably increased their reproductive capacity.
Breast cancer cells can spread through blood or lymph vessels and reach other parts of the body. There they can adhere to tissues and grow, forming metastases.
Breast cancer can occur in both women and men, but more than 99% of cases occur in women.
Risk factors
The risk factors for suffering from this cancer are:
- Age is the main risk factor for breast cancer. The risk increases with age.
- personal story of invasive breast cancer (women who have had invasive breast cancer are at greater risk of contralateral breast cancer), ductal carcinoma in situ, or lobular carcinoma in situ.
- History of atypical hyperplasia.
- High breast density on mammograms.
- Reproductive factors that increase exposure to endogenous estrogens, such as early onset of menarche, late menopause, or nulliparity (never having been pregnant).
- Using hormone replacement therapy after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer, as does using a combination of estrogen and progesterone after menopause.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Obesity.
- Genetic predisposition (family history or mutations of certain genes).
