Monday, April 18, 2011

Breast cancer awareness programs

These programs are planned to make an effort to raise awareness of about this cancer among general people. This helps in prevention or reduction of the disease and a proper management in those who already suffer from it. The campaigns give an insight about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods. The purpose is achieved through various techniques which are:
  • Advocacy
  • Event organizing
  • Pink ribbon
  • Media
  • Advertisements through various means
  • Specific products
Advocacy
This is a type of health advocacy that raise funds and lobby for more care, knowledge and prevention. Various educational campaigns are carried out to provide such services free of cost. Social movement organizations and women health advocates all participate in it.

Events
In many countries, October is celebrated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). The campaign is called as Pinktober. It is supported by government of those states. The media and cancer survivors are also actively involved. In 1985, American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca a huge pharmaceutical company began NBCAM (National breast cancer awareness month). Two cancer drugs tamoxifen and Arimidex are manufactured by this company. The main purpose of celebrating this month is to promote mammography and other diagnosis methods among common people who are generally not much aware of all these processes and options. The events included in NBCAM are:
  • Foot races to raise funds
  • Bicycle rides
  • Walk-a-thons
The participants of all games donate sufficient amount for the charity related to this cancer. It also helps in physical fitness, entertainment and a social connection between different people, groups and organizations interested.

Pink lights are illuminated at several landmarks to divert the attention of the public to this disease. American football games use pink supplies and tools to raise awareness. Moreover, ‘pink day’ is celebrated in private companies around the globe to promote it. Employees and staff members wear pink clothes at that day in favor of the patients in distress.

Global pink hijab day is observed that first began in United States. The aim of this event is to encourage the affected women to get proper medical care and not take this cancer as a stigma. It also works for the reduction of this serious disease among the Muslim women.

Besides, male breast cancer week is also celebrated in the third week of October by some organizations. Most of the events are warmly liked by all but some are of controversial nature like the painting of Pink Bridge, in West Virginia, U.S. because these events rather exploit the people instead of promoting or raising awareness.

‘Pink ribbon’ a universal symbol
Pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Patients diagnosed with this cancer, put on pink ribbon as an honor. These ribbons are also sold by some fund raising bodies on Remembrance Day. Pink ribbon tries to inculcate optimism in the patients suffering from breast cancer. However, it is also controversial and considered futile by many owing to its zero practical benefits and no considerable advantages at any level. The onset of disease persists whether it is there or not.

Media
It is the most effective way to create awareness in every nook and corner of the world. Electronic media is widely used. TV channels broadcast advertisements, discussions and related programs to influence the minds of the people in an effective way. A number of magazines publish relevant valuable content. Doctors as well the patients both express their views through women magazines.

Apart from all these, there are specific products such as, pink ribbons and awareness bracelet. Let’s hope the efforts will bear fruit some day and help the entire suffering humanity get rid of this problem for good.

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