Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide health campaign celebrated every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. National breast cancer awareness month was founded in October of 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, a producer of anti-breast cancer drugs. The goal of the partnership was to promote mammography as the most effective preventative and diagnostic fight against breast cancer. In 1993, Evelyn Lauder (senior corporate vice president) of the Estee Lauder Company, founded the breast cancer research division, and created the pink ribbon as it’s symbol. Many events around the world are organized in the month of October, including walks and runs such as the National Race for the Cure, and the Susan G. Komen Fundraising walk. The mission of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is early detection, education and support services.
