Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What is it ?
A global charity event, The Breast Cancer Awareness Month represents the desire of women and men around the world to fight for a just cause. Like its counterpart Movember, an association which fight against male cancer, The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important event for cancer research. The Breast Cancer Awareness month is a yearly campaign which raises awareness about breast cancer screening, the first cause of death through cancer for women, and to collect funds for scientific and medical research. Where does this solidarity initiative come from? How to make a donation to support the research?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What is it?
Evelyn Lauder, icon of the cosmetic world who suffered from the diseases, created the movement in the early 90s in the United States. She also founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Every year for 26 years, October is the month dedicated to this fight against breast cancer. From the 1st to the 31st of October, health professionals, NGOs, and associations gather throughout the world around screening information for breast cancer. Gatherings like races, auctions, collections of bras and other events are organized. Everything’s goal is to raise funds towards scientific and medical research.
The totality of funds gathered will be given entirely to associations that help and support people with breast cancer as well as research.
Free or discounted screening campaigns are also available throughout the world.
The story of the pink ribbon
Drawing its inspiration from the red ribbon against aids, Alexandra Penne, editor of the magazine Self, thinks of a pink ribbon to designate the fight against breast cancer.
Evelyn Lauder, vice president of the company Estée Lauder overbids by displaying pink ribbons in every store of the brand.
Today, the pink ribbon is the international symbol of the fight against breast cancer. Wearing a pink ribbon is a way to display your commitment in the fight against breast cancer as well as your solidarity towards those affected by the disease.
Dates of Breast Awareness Month 2022
From the 1st to the 31st of October. For a month, many events take place to support medical and scientific research.
Odyssea Race
Every year, the association Odyssea organizes a 5km or 10km race for the cause. Odyssea then gives the funds gathered from paid entry to associations fighting against breast cancer.
How participate as an expat ? recently, the race can also be done online thanks to a dedicated application which will calculate the number of km carried out for the association. More information on the application page right here
How to donate?
It is possible to donate through different paid events, but it is also possible to donate directly online :
Moreover, many solidarity brands offer limited editions, and exclusive products with revisited packaging. A portion of the benefits goes to research associations.
I am an expatriate, does my insurance cover breast cancer?
Usually yes. It is however better to be careful and check if your insurance does take in charge this type of pathology. Be also wary of the insurance coverage ceiling. Cancer is a condition that requires intensive treatments, often extremely expensive. It is important to note that some insurers accept to cover only one major disease, thus making impossible to cover you for a relapse.
We recommend to turn to high end insurances which allow high reimbursements.
How to find this high end insurance?
The easiest way is of course to compare all the offers one by one, but not everybody can be an insurance professional. The time loss will be important.
To help you in this approach, Using the services of an insurance broker usually is the most advantageous solution, because he will be able to provide you with relevant and free advice to help you choose the right insurance.
They are indeed constantly in touch with insurance companies that provide high end quality insurance and know the different qualities and services of each company.
Our expert team can help you in this approach to find the insurance that perfectly fits your needs.
Why choose a high end international insurance? You can find our article listing the qualities of a good insurance here.
To go further, how to carry out the first tests
Women, but also men who represent 1% of breast cancers in the world, are strongly advised to perform breast self-examinations in order to know first whether to consult a doctor or not.
The first sign and or symptom of breast cancer is the appearance of a lump in the chest, often painless. But there are also other symptoms that can occur:
- A rash on the nipple with possible oozing.
- The breast may be swollen and turn red
- The skin may change in appearance
- A lump under the arm may be a sign that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
- Dimpling of the skin effect of wrinkles.
- The nipple may be in or there may be a discharge.
- You can download this practical guide which will give you the essential information
Good Breast Cancer Awareness Month to All !
