October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month because of a campaign that began in the 1980s to raise public awareness, promote early detection, and support research funding. Here’s the background: • Origins: The American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries (a pharmaceutical company) launched a national week-long campaign in 1985 to increase awareness of breast cancer and the importance of mammograms. This effort later expanded into a full month. • Symbol: The pink ribbon, wh