Beginning in 1985, the month of October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual health campaign raises awareness about the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and provides access to free healthcare services. Today, the internationally recognized symbol is a pink ribbon, but it was not always pink.

The tradition began to take shape when Charlotte Haley made peach ribbons by hand in her dining room. She felt it was important to make these ribbons because her family has a history of breast cancer, and she knew that research for treatments did not receive adequate funding. For every five ribbons, a note was attached that read: “The National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is $1.8 billion; only 5 percent goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up legislators and America by wearing this ribbon.” 

It is not just restaurants that show their support; players in the NFL have a tradition of wearing colored clothing as a tribute to family members, including pink gear associated with breast cancer awareness, especially in October. Oftentimes, players are fined because the pink violates the NFL’s strict uniform codes. However, they still choose to show their support. 

The NFL also uses its large platform to deliver its crucial message, “Early cancer detection saves lives,” and partners with the American Cancer Society every year, resulting in millions of dollars raised for the funding of more research. 

Support can be seen even at the local level, with high school students engaging in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink clothing. As pictured, Edmond Memorial High School participated by hosting a pink-out themed football game where football players, cheer and pom wore pink gear like cleats and pom poms, and the student section wore pink clothing and face paint. 

The ribbon is a reminder of the real issue; breast cancer impacts millions of people every year, and the research to find more treatments does not receive enough funding from the National Cancer Institute’s annual budget. These traditions highlight the overall message of the ribbon’s symbolism, but the main purpose of the campaign is not to have the ribbon worn as a distracting accessory. The pink ribbon remains the international symbol of breast cancer awareness, and it is intended to be worn as a reminder of the need for access to free health services, more research and support.