Chief Executive Samia al Qadhi shares her story of the pink ribbon and explains how your stories can help us celebrate this powerful symbol.
Chief Executive Samia al Qadhi shares her story of the pink ribbon and how your stories can help us celebrate this powerful symbol.
When I reflect on the pink ribbon’s history, I’m inspired to tell you how Breast Cancer Care was at the forefront of promoting breast cancer awareness, establishing it in the hearts and minds of the nation.
Initiated by US businesswoman and philanthropist Evelyn Lauder, who I met back in the 1990s, the pink ribbon quickly became a powerful symbol for showing support for people affected by breast cancer. It’s responsible for making millions of women more ‘breast aware’, effectively kick-starting a global movement for change and catapulting awareness of breast cancer into the mainstream.
Breast Cancer Care was the first UK charity to adopt the pink ribbon, providing us with a much-needed shortcut to talking about breast cancer at a time when it was still taboo. Back in 1994, our first ever pink ribbon pin badges became central to the first UK Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now renowned as the moment in the year when people around the world check their breasts.
The power of the pink ribbon today
For 25 years the pink ribbon has been the symbol for anyone affected by breast cancer. And I’m immensely proud that Breast Cancer Care was there at the beginning and played a leading role in harnessing this iconic symbol.
Since the first pink ribbon was created we’ve helped millions of women, men, their friends and families live with, through and beyond breast cancer. This year, as we celebrate and mark its 25th anniversary, it remains as compelling as ever – a powerful symbol of hope, strength and unity.
Share your story to inspire others
Today, although more women and men are surviving breast cancer, the stark reality is every ten minutes someone new is diagnosed and their life turned upside down. This life-threatening disease abruptly becomes part of their story, and the stories of their friends and family. This year, we’re sharing their stories of strength and inspiration – and showing why there’s never been a greater need for our life-changing support.
'The pink ribbon is part of who I am'
Cathie has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice, once when she was 29 and again when she was 34. This is her #PinkRibbon25 story.
How to share your story
We want to hear from you. However you’ve been affected by breast cancer, your story is unique. Whether you are living with or beyond breast cancer, or supporting your mum, sister, brother or friend – we’d love you to help us raise awareness.
You can share your #PinkRibbon25 story by taking a selfie or video clip on your phone camera and sharing on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also send us an email at marketing@breastcancercare.org.uk.