From October 1 to 31, Pink October invites us to wear the famous pink ribbon against breast cancer and to make a donation to support research. Now is also the time to get tested.
For 30 years, Pink October has highlighted the fight against breast cancer. In France, 1 in 8 women risk developing breast cancer during their lifetime. It is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Early treatment allows 90% cure at 5 years. Hence the interest in knowing the warning signs and doing your mammograph check-up every two years from 50 to 74 years old (it’s free).
What is the aim of Pink October?
From 1994 In France, Pink October is an annual campaign led by the association Pink Ribbon which raises awareness among the general public for breast cancer screening and of raise funds for medical and scientific research. From October 1 to 31, health professionals, NGOs and associations come together around the world to provide information on breast cancer screening. Initiatives like races, auctions, bra drives and other events are organized. Free or reduced-price screening campaigns are also offered across France. All funds raised during this period are fully donated to associations that help and support people with cancer as well as to research. Pink October is also an international campaign. Its Anglo-Saxon equivalent is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many historical monuments around the world are adorned with pink to show their support and commitment against breast cancer: Presidential Palace of Argentina, Water Cube in China, San Miniato Cathedral of Florence in Italy, Basilia Cathedral in Brazil, Pink Tokyo Tower in Japan, JF Kennedy Airport in New York in the United States…
What are the key events?
► Pink illumination of the Eiffel Towerthe Luxor obelisk on Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme, as well as the National Assembly on Monday September 30, 2024.
► Free show on Place Vendôme in Paris directed by Mehdi Kerkouche and set to music by Amir on Monday September 30 from 7:30 p.m. The show takes place in the presence of Claudia Tagbo, Évelyne Dhéliat and Alice Detollenaere, godmothers of the association.
► Odyssea Race in Paris on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 at the Château de Vincennes
Every year, information kits are made available free of charge to public authorities (town halls, health centers, etc.) who request it when orders are opened and while stocks last. They contain:
- pink ribbons,
- the display in the colors of the Ruban Rose Association
- the awareness brochure
When does the big race or walk for Pink October take place?
This year, the race dedicated to Pink October takes place in two different forms:
>> The Odyssea race in Paris on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6 at the Château de Vincennes
>> The connected race (remote) from September 30 to October 30 (5 or 10 km)
- In 1985a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries launches a campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer screening and promote mammography.
- In 1992Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of the journal Self, dedicated to women’s health, offers a special issue “Breast Cancer”. Evelyn Lauder, vice president of cosmetics company Estée Lauder and breast cancer survivor, is invited to be editor of this special issue.
- In 1993, Evelyn Lauder creates the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Breast Cancer Research Foundation) to support innovation in clinical and genetic research.
- In 1994Estée Lauder France and Marie-Claire magazine decided to commit together to the fight against breast cancer by creating the association “Breast Cancer, Let’s Talk About It!” (became Pink Ribbon since 2020). Each year, numerous initiatives are put in place, throughout the month of October (Pink October), to inform and raise awareness among women of the importance of early detection.
- Since 2004the Pink Ribbon Awards set up by the association provide financial support for research against breast cancer.
- November 12, 2011Evelyn Lauder dies. The association “Breast Cancer, Let’s Talk About It!” continues her fight against breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
- Since 2014each launch of the campaign, the Eiffel Tower is adorned with the color of the association and lights up in pink.
Where to get the pink ribbon against breast cancer?
Pink ribbons are available throughout the month of October on the information displays highlighted by all the campaign partners: certain town halls, local authorities, private companies, occupational health centers, associations, perfumeries, etc. Also, 350,000 pink ribbons will be distributed free of charge. The American Penney Laingen was the first woman to use the ribbon as a symbol in 1979 : she hung yellow ribbons on the trees to demand the release of her husband, held hostage in Iran. At the beginning of the 90s, the red ribbonthe color of passion and blood, symbolizes the fight against the AIDS virus. In 1992, Alexandra Penney, editor-in-chief of Self magazine, imagined a pink ribbon to designate the fight against breast cancer and asked the Estée Lauder company to distribute it in its New York stores. Evelyn Lauder, vice president of the cosmetics company, outbid by promising to put ribbons on all Estée Lauder counters, as well as cosmetics stores nationwide.
→ Why the color pink? The pink of the ribbon chosen by the Estée Lauder company is pink 150“one of the best-selling colors” from Offray, the largest ribbon company in the world. “A feminine, soft, joyful color that evokes good health, everything this cancer is not,” notes the Breast Cancer Action association who campaigns against breast cancer. Today the pink ribbon is the international symbol in the fight against breast cancer. Wearing a pink ribbon marks your commitment to the fight against breast cancer and your solidarity with those who suffer.
The reduction in the mortality rate from breast cancer can fall thanks to advances in research. To support research, you can make a donation simply online at official donations platform of the association Pink ribbon.
