October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Current Mood : Exhausted

Most people think of October and they imagine fall colours, the leaves falling, and of course Halloween. But to some, October can mean pink or breast cancer awareness. October has been designated as breast cancer awareness month since 1985 and many countries around the world hold events (such as Run for the Cure in Canada) to promote awareness and funds for research. I am in support of any awareness and fundraiser events, but why is there an entire month dedicated to one particular cancer and not any others? Of course any form of cancer is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, but why are there so many products (tshirts, pens, hats, keychains, etc.) produced and sold in support of breast cancer and not any other types of cancer?

The concept of having breast cancer awareness month is informative and helps remind women to have a regular check up, but what about the other types of cancer that exist? Why don't we have entire months dedicated to awareness about these? Is having one month dedicated to one form of cancer sending the message that this may be more important than others, that we should be paying more attention to this? All cancer is harmful, physcially, emotionally and mentally. Why a spotlight is shined upon breast cancer still boggles my mind, hence why I chose to do some follow up research. Wikipedia gives a brief history but does not go into much detail. Alas, my question remains, why such a focus on breast cancer and not the other types of cancer? Hopefully one day soon, each type of cancer will gain full attention and information about prevention for all can be known.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer_awareness_month