Since Pink October started in L’Hexagon back in 1994, here is a list of way that you can take action to support breast cancer awareness month in France.
Today, one out of eight women risks developing breast cancer. But every year, early detection allows to save thousands of lives, as prevention is at the heart of this campaign. Over the course of its lifetime, breast cancer awareness month has become a worldwide reminder for breast cancer prevention as more than 70 countries participate. In 2018, more than 58,000 women in France were diagnosed with this disease. Since 1994, Pink October has made it possible to mobilize support, such as: taking part in runs, spreading hashtags on social media, donating money…etc. Here is a list of ways to show your advocacy during Pink October in France!
“Breast cancer is the top cancer in women worldwide and is increasing particularly in developing countries where the majority of cases are diagnosed in late stages.” – World Health Organization
1. Proudly wear pink
This may seem rather simple but wear pink! This color and the pink ribbon are internationally recognized as breast cancer symbols. It is a way of supporting the survivors, as well as remembering the victims that have fallen to this disease. If you do not desire to wear pink for 31 days, remember that the 18th is nationally recognized as a day where everyone is urged to wear pink. Displaying a pink ribbon on your Facebook or Instagram account takes less than a minute and is a great way to show your support! This year, the Marie Curie Institute launched a creative challenge: creating 59,000 actual pink ribbons. You have until October 25th to create the most original ribbon!
2. Educate yourself
Reading books, talking to professionals, or even talking to survivors are all great ways to educate yourself on this matter! By learning about breast cancer, you can spread awareness around you by telling your friends and loved ones about it. Here are a few book recommendations if you wish to understand more about this illness.
- B is for Breast Cancer by Christine Hamill
- Why I wore lipstick: To my Mastectomy by Geralyn Lucas
- Big C, little ta-ta: Kicking Cancer’s Butt in 7 Humorous Stories by Janet Sheppard Kelleher
- Uplift by Barbara Delinsky
If you wish to talk to your doctor about breast cancer, here are a few questions you might find helpful:
- What is breast cancer?
- Should I think about genetic testing?
- Why is breast cancer awareness so important?
- How can I lower my risk of getting it?
- At what age is a mammogram recommended? And is it really necessary?
Furthermore, as of October 1st you can find the booklet “Les Notices Roses” in pharmacies and oncology centers. Four associations have come together to create this useful pamphlet, in which they offer advice, testimonies of survivors, reading suggestions, associations you can reach out to, and numerous other valuable services.
Click here to find out more about this guide.
3. Participating in a run or walk
For the brave women out there, several athletic events are organized throughout France. One race stands out, organized by “Plus vite que le cancer” on October 30 and 31. You can actually virtually participate! For only 5.99 euros you can take a trip throughout France’s various landscapes. All you have to do is register and commit to running (or walking) either 2, 6, 12, 21 or 42 kilometers. The participation fee will be entirely donated to research and patient support. You can also make an online donation to the association. As Marie-Ange Léophonte – Director of the Committee – states “It is a good way to finish this month and to continue our action with optimism.” At the end, just upload your time and your picture to compare your results.
To know more about this race, click here.
If you wish to participate in a “true” race, The Pink Ribbon Challenge is organizing races in different French cities (Bordeaux, Lille…etc.) The race in Bordeaux will take place on October 16th and 17th on the city’s waterfront. On the agenda: a 7km run on the 16th, and a 7 km walk on the 17th. In 2019, the event raised more than 280,000 euros, which was donated in favor of breast cancer prevention. The goal this year is to get 16,000 participants in order to raise even more money!
To register for the Pink Ribbon Challenge, click here.
4. Shop for the Cancer
If you are not athletic, then you can shop for the cause! You can either directly donate money or buy numerous products from different brands that redirect all of their profits towards research. For example: Kiabi has released an inexpensive clothing line that supports breast cancer awareness, a Vans collection with the slogan “you got this,” a Pink October tea collection from Kusmi Tea, and numerous other products associated with breast cancer.
However, be sure to check where your money is going!
5. Donating funds online
Another great way to support this cause, is by donating funds online. Research is indispensable for finding a cure. Therefore, directly donating money to these research centers is essential!
There are two ways you can do this: either on the Pink Ribbon Association’s website or the League Against Cancer’s website. The Pink Ribbon Association reallocates the money towards prizes and research grants, while the League redistributes it towards patient support and wellbeing.
By donating funds, you are supporting the breast cancer victims by providing them with various free services: psychological needs, kinesio-oncology, financial support…and many more.
You can click here to donate funds.
