Every October, we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise awareness of the impact of breast cancer. But many of us do not know the history of the campaign and how it started.
Below we’ll offer a brief history of Breast cancer Awareness Month, how TFP is working to support this vital cause, and how you can do the same.
The History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 by Imperial Chemical Industries and the American Cancer Society. First Lady, Betty Ford, wife of Gerald Ford, was diagnosed with breast cancer when her husband was in office. She helped to lead and promote the first-ever Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created to educate women about breast cancer and promote early detection methods, like mammograms. With early detection, women everywhere can take more control over their breast health.
In addition to promoting early detection, all October, those affected by breast cancer are encouraged to share their stories, and many organizations across the globe raise funds for breast cancer research.
The Pink Ribbon
The pink ribbon we see every October that signifies Breast Cancer Awareness Month was popularized by Estée Lauder cosmetics in 1992. They distributed over a million ribbons in the first year alone. The NFL has also been a massive help in spreading the word as nearly all of their players, coaches, and referees wear the ribbon every October.
How TFP is Helping
Our support for breast cancer is twofold. Firstly, we have started a campaign to fight breast cancer called “Extinguishing Breast Cancer.” As part of the campaign, we place pink tamper seals on top of every fire extinguisher that we sell. These pink seals indicate that a portion of the proceeds from sales supports our friends at the American Cancer Society.
Secondly, Total Fire Protection participates in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk every year as an official Mile Marker Sponsor. Our company, friends, families, and partners gathered together in Central Park – alongside 50,000 other people – to express our hope and shared determination to make this breast cancer’s last century.
But, you don’t have to be the head of a national brand to make a difference.
Ways You Can Help Extinguish Breast Cancer
With the Covid-19 lockdowns, early detection and screening numbers have been low. So, there has never been a better time to support breast cancer awareness and research. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Purchase a fire extinguisher with a pink tamper seal
- Use the hashtag #ExtinguishingBreastCancer on Social Media
- Check our website regularly for updates on volunteer events
- Join us on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
- Donate to provide mammograms for women in need
- Take a quiz and share helpful breast health resources
- Donate to healthcare workers who serve at-risk populations
- Volunteer with NBCF
- Host a fundraiser for NBCF
- Leave an encouraging message for survivors on the Wall of Support
- Share your personal story with breast cancer
- Sport a pink ribbon or NBCF merchandise this October or all year-round
And if you want to find out more about Extinguish Breast Cancer or get involved in our campaign, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.org.