The Breast Cancer Awareness Logo

The breast cancer awareness logo is a open looped pin ribbon.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now, maybe you've had a loved one go through cancer. Or you've had cancer yourself. Either way, the American Breast Cancer Society wants everyone to show their support by wearing a pink lapel ribbon. Ribbon campaigns started in the 19th century, and still exist today.

This pink breast cancer awareness ribbon is the national symbol to show that you know someone who's gone through breast cancer. It is the breast cancer awareness logo. It's a way to show your support.

The breast cancer awareness logo is also on many items in stores. When you see those items, you know part of the profits will go towards breast cancer research.

The first pink ribbon campaign was in 1991, when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City run for breast cancer survivors. It was picked up by the editor in chief of Self, a woman's health magazine. In 1992, the pink ribbon was distributed across the country by Estee Lauder.

The design of the ribbon came from one sold by Charlotte Hayley. She sold peach colored ribbons to help the National Cancer Institute at the time. The institute was short on funds at the time. Hayley asked that they pick a different color for ribbons to sell. They chose pink.

The ribbon campaign can extend to other things as well. Lots of stores sell special pink items. There are pink spatulas, towels, and more. Some of the money you spend on that item is donated to breast cancer research.

This has included a special stamp, pink Cadillacs, and silver coins. This also includes ribbons, garments, and even electronics. They're a way to help out breast cancer research in your everyday life.

The breast cancer awareness logo is known as public domain in the United States. It's is also an official mark of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This means that the logo is truly international in scope and reach.

"You don't have to spend money to show you care about those with breast cancer."

Let's go beyond the ribbon. During October, you might raise money by holding theme parties and activities. At your workplace, you might wear pink clothing or ribbon to work. Actions like this get people talking. It helps them realize breast cancer deserves public attention.

That said, while wearing the pink ribbon logo shows your support, it does not come without criticism. The campaign has been accused of being too commercial. It makes it easy for people to 'show their support' without giving anything to cancer research. Some critics even call it "pinkwashing."

Still, the main part of this is that your support means something to you. You don't have to spend money to show you care about those with breast cancer. If you do want to donate, you can buy pink breast cancer items. Or, you can just send one of the many breast cancer organizations a check.

Because of the breast cancer logo and other items, many people are aware of breast cancer. This means breast cancer gets many donations. Even if the campaign is "too corporate" for some people, it works. And its raising money to fight cancer - which is the main goal, here.

As for wearing or buying these items, go ahead. If it means something to you, if it helps you remember someone else's life or their fight against breast cancer, wearing a pink ribbon is a worthwhile and sincere gesture to make.