The Retort

Billings Supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 7th, 2011 by Patricia Hampton Of The Retort Staff

The month of October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year will be the twenty-seventh in which this month-long awareness campaign will be waged. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) began in 1985 with the combined efforts of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Astra Zeneca Healthcare Foundation, and CancerCare Inc.

During the month of October awareness is raised through walk-a-thons, runs, the wearing of pink clothing and ribbons, and “Pink” events. The pink ribbon first signified the fight against breast cancer when it was used by the Susan G. Komen Foundation during a race for breast cancer survivors. The ribbon has since stood as a symbol for the cause.

Much of the publicity and fundraising that occurs for BCAM is meant to fund research for the prevention, diagnosis, and curing of breast cancer. Publicity opportunities range from members of the National Football League sporting pink during games in the month of October, to races world-wide, to illuminating famous landmarks such as Niagara Falls in Canada and The Arena in Verona Italy with pink flood lights.

In Billings, Dillards Salon has decided to sell pink hair extensions for ten dollars. The profits from these sales will be donated to “City of Hope.” In addition to the efforts of Dillards Salon, the Rimrock Mall will be sponsoring a fashion show on October 16. The show’s runway models will be breast cancer survivors themselves. Billings Skyview High School volleyball players will be selling pink t-shirts for the event, and will donate the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. High schools around the state promote Breast Cancer Awareness by hosting “Pack the Place in Pink” sporting events, especially volleyball games.

From the global illumination arranged by Estée Lauder to the efforts and recognition by different groups, organizations, and schools in Montana - each October everyone can experience and aid in raising awareness of breast cancer.