Breast Cancer Awareness Across the Globe!

Residents of the United States are well aware that the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Campaigns from fundraisers to even the National Football League’s “A Crucial Catch” initiative have become regular occurrences stateside. But did you know that other nations also observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Hyderabad is the capital and the largest city in the southern India state of Andhra Pradesh and, for the past four years, the city has faithfully recognized October as International Breast Cancer Awareness month.

 

This year, in support of eradicating this devastating disease, Hyderabad will be casting shades of pink on some of its most prominent landmarks – including the Legislative Assembly, Charminar, Buddha Statue, Prasads IMAX, KIMS Hospital and the Times of India building.

The idea to light the city pink was inspired by Evelyn Lauder-of popular cosmetic brand Estee Lauder – after she lost her sister to breast cancer. She helped launch the pink initiatives in hopes of both celebrating breast cancer survivors and honoring the memories of her sister and others who have been affected by the disease.

In India, breast cancer is the most common cancer, affecting 25% to 33% of cancers among women in India.  Over 50% of women with breast cancer are affected with stages 3 and 4 of the disease. The maximum number of breast cancer cases in India are found in women ages 39-43.

Along with Hyderabad, other cities hold various events to support breast cancer awareness month.

For the past 15 years, London, England has been home to “The Breast Cancer Care Show” – fashion show held each year at famed Grosvenor House. The annual afternoon tea and fashion show features models who have either been diagnosed with breast cancer or are breast cancer survivors. In addition to the London show, two other shows are held in Glasgow and Cardiff. Proceeds from the show go towards various services. Donations of $2 provide a headscarf for someone who might have lost their hair during treatment. A donation of up to $5,000 pays for 20 breast cancer patients to attend a course preparing them for life after their treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Rwanda, a breast cancer campaign song titled, “Early detection is the best protection,”was released on October 5th by The Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa Inc. (BCIEA) and the Rwandan Midwives. The BCIEA is an organization determined to take the lead in improving breast cancer survival rates in low-income African communities. They also are making an effort to spread breast cancer awareness and the importance of women getting regular mammograms and checkups.

The song was released during a fundraising dinner at the Kigali Serena hotel and was performed by Indian artist Tony Remedios. This event was also in support of breast cancer awareness month.  At the event, the executive director of BCIEA Anne Rugege encouraged supporters to rally behind the organization’s cause because, as she stated, “Through this campaign we want people to know that knowledge is power and together we can save lives.”

Photos courtesy of Think Pink and BreastCancerCareShow.org

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