Breast Cancer Awareness Month Sees Events Around the World
Posted on Oct 15, 2013 by Ailee Slater (G+)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time in which all kinds of organizations work together to increase breast cancer awareness and focus on recent findings in cancer prevention and treatment. This year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has seen support, and a number of interesting projects, from groups around the world.
In Kuwait, the breast cancer foundation Hayatt launched a new campaign to coincide with the global breast cancer work this October. The Life Is Sharing campaign will include charity events such as an exclusive dinner hosted by well-known Saudi singer Waed. Donations collected during this and other charity events will go toward better treatment and awareness for women and their families living in Kuwait. Already in October, Hayatt has held a conference on the importance of breast cancer tests in detecting the disease early and undergoing appropriate treatment as soon as possible. The organization has also taken steps to help underprivileged women access breast cancer screening and treatment.
In the nearby United Arab Emirates, Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are going pink for the month of October. But what does that mean? In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, both cities will host a number of “pink” events to create awareness for Breast Cancer and the Middle Eastern organization Breast Cancer Arabia. Events will include a video competition, a co-ed and women’s only run, art fairs for children and lots more. Money raised during October will go to support the Breast Cancer Arabia Foundation, and will sponsor surgeries and other treatment for women who cannot afford such care. Last year was the inaugural launch of the Dubai Goes Pink campaign, and supporters were especially excited to see the luxury Burj Al Arab building illuminate its iconic sail in pink, to support breast cancer awareness and the work done by Breast Cancer Arabia.
Throughout Asia, breast cancer is usually said to be the most common type of cancer in the region. A 2009 study from the University of Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also pointed out that although rates of breast cancer are generally lower in Asia than in Western countries, women in Asia are less likely to catch the disease in its early stages. In many developing Asian nations, access to cancer screening is limited, meaning that women may not detect their breast cancer until it is already too late to begin all-important early interventions. Due to a lack of early screening and what is often inadequate medical care, breast cancer survival rates across Asia are lower than in the West.
However, awareness of breast cancer is growing, and with that awareness comes more focus on cancer screening and treatment from both the government and independent organizations. In the Philippines, which has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in all of Asia, cancer advocacy groups are using October to disseminate more information about what breast cancer is, and where women can go for prevention and treatment resources. The Philippine Breast Cancer Network, for example, let’s people know that men are at risk for breast cancer too – and what’s more, that men are less likely than women to have been screened for the disease. Therefore, a man will often not realize that he has breast cancer until the disease is already in its later stages, and is less likely to respond to treatment. In Manila, capital of the Philippines, the Philippine Cancer Society last year held a Breast Run Endurance Ascent over June and July. As part of their work, the Cancer Society also offers free breast cancer screening opportunities throughout the year.
In the nearby south of China, the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry is planning to recognize the autumn season of breast cancer awareness with its third annual Race with Pink Heels, occurring at the end of November. The Race aims to increase knowledge and awareness of not just breast cancer, but ovarian and prostate cancer as well. But, what’s the connection between these three types of cancer? Breast, ovarian and prostate cancer can all be related to a genetic mutation known as BRCA. A woman with that mutation is around five times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 10 to 30 times more likely to experience ovarian cancer as well. Prostate cancer is more likely to occur in a man with a harmful BRCA mutation.
To help Hong Kong citizens understand more about these hereditary cancers, and to raise awareness of the possibilities offered by cancer screening and genetic testing, the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry’s Race with Pink Heels will feature costumes, fundraising activities and of course the race. Previous Races have brought in over HK$140,000, and organizers are hoping that this year’s event will do the same.
Also putting together various events in support of breast cancer research and awareness is CANSA, the Cancer Association of South Africa. On the 19th of October, CANSA will hold the Crawford for Cancer Run/Walk, a 4 kilometer and 8 kilometer race with prizes, food and entertainment, and all profits going to CANSA. As a leading organization in the fight against cancer in South Africa, CANSA funds research, operates a toll-free information help line, and organizes medical staff and volunteers at care centers around the country. CANSA also takes what it calls a “watchdog role,” lobbying lawmakers and other decision-makers to consider the importance of breast cancer education, and to put more money toward fighting the disease.