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October: Month to show support for breast cancer fighters, survivors
Although there is never a time limit on supporting cancer fighters and survivors, pink ribbon in October comes with many campaigns we can take part in.
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Although there is never a time limit on supporting cancer fighters and survivors, pink ribbon in October comes with many campaigns we can take part in. (Shutterstock/ksokolowska)
O
ver two million new cases of breast cancer were found in 2018, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). Commonly occurring in women, this type of cancer is said to be the second most common type of cancer.
The WCRF has released the name of 25 countries with the highest rates of breast cancer in women in 2018, showing Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in the top three. Belgium has an age-standardized rate of 113.2 cases per 100,000 women, followed by the latter two that have 109.3 and 105.09 per 100,000 women respectively.
Although Indonesia is not on the list of 25 countries, breast cancer, along with cervical cancer, is the most commonly found cancer in Indonesian women, writes the Indonesian Breast Cancer Foundation (YKPI) on its website.
A cancer profile of Indonesia, released by the WHO in 2014, shows that breast cancer contributes 21.4 percent of 92,200 in cancer mortality.
Linda Agum Gumelar, chief of the YKPI, was quoted by the foundation to have said more Indonesian women have become aware of the cancer because of the improvement of information technology. However, many still hesitate to see a doctor for a breast examination, or to undergo early detection, whereas early detection provides a higher chance for recovery.
While several breast cancer foundations carry the mission to further socialize the importance of early detection and provide companionship for cancer patients and survivors, we can help support awareness campaigns in many ways. Below is a list of campaigns supported by brands and establishments where we can take part.
Read also: Topless, singing Serena sparks internet breast cancer stir
Pink voice
Starbucks Indonesia campaigns on spreading awareness on the disease, noting that the more we talk about the disease, the more we spread awareness, and the more lives saved. The coffee joint then invites its customers to donate to Love Pink Indonesia through buying their seasonal "pink drinks".
Love Pink Indonesia is a non-profit organization focusing on the socialization of early detection and companionship for cancer patients.
DoubleTree pink month
The pink bear of DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta returns this October, to show love and support to all breast cancer survivors around the world. The public are invited to join this campaign by donating to the YKPI through buying the limited-edition pink bear.
Gaia X Divoila florist
Indonesian premium tea brand Gaia offers tea hampers in collaboration with Divoila florist. The package includes a tin can of tea leaves arranged with a box of pink and white flowers, while Rp 100,000 (US$6.58) is donated to the YKPI for every purchase of one hamper.
Pink for a cure
Tinkerlust Indonesia, an online marketplace offering preloved fashion items, takes part in donating to cancer fighters and survivors. The marketplace invites fashion enthusiasts to buy certain pink items, and 10 percent of the proceeds are donated to the YKPI.
Aerin for Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Global luxury lifestyle brand Aerin has created a BCRF Rose Lip Conditioner Set to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The set is priced $50 and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the BCRF, whose mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research.
(mut)
