The Pink Ribbon

She wore her scars like constellations,

each one a map of nights she fought through,

and when the long dark tried to claim her,

She found the dawn inside her too.

Now October blooms in ribbons,

a thousand hands held in the light,

for every name we carry softly,

and every heart that dared to fight. 

– Ema Pečenković

In October, members of the Feminist Union at Sciences Po may stop you and ask you to fasten a small pink ribbon to the collar of your shirt. You may recognize it instantly: a familiar symbol of breast cancer awareness, but behind that delicate loop of bright pink lies something far more powerful than a splash of color. How much do you really know about the stories, struggles and strength woven into those few inches of ribbon?

Pink October brings together individuals, healthcare organizations, charities and communities around the world. Pink October encourages people to learn about breast health, recognize the importance of early detection, support patients and survivors, and contribute to continuous research. In 1985, Charlotte Haley, an American breast cancer survivor, began distributing peach-coloured ribbons to bring attention towards the need for greater funding for breast cancer prevention. The campaign was further popularised in 1991 when the Susan G. Komen Foundation distributed pink ribbons at its Race for the Cure, and in 1992 when Self Magazine and Estee Lauder adopted and widely distributed the pink ribbon, helping establish it as a worldwide symbol of breast cancer awareness, associated with solidarity, support and hope. 

Simultaneously, awareness means asking an important question: “Does everyone have the same opportunity to access treatment?”

Unfortunately, the answer is not always. Geographical location, socioeconomic status or inequalities within the healthcare system, are different factors which influence the path to information, diagnosis and care. These imbalances remind us that raising awareness is not enough if opportunities to healthcare remain unequal. People living in remote areas or facing financial difficulties may experience delays in diagnosis or struggle to access specialized treatment. Therefore, awareness initiatives must go hand in hand with efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone. Even though an estimated 2.4 million women have been diagnosed in 2024 worldwide, it is important to note that breast cancer doesn’t only affect them. Breast cancer affects both men and women, approximately, 0.5 to one percent of breast cancers occur in men. However, limited awareness of male breast cancer can lead to misconceptions. It is important to highlight the emphasis of inclusive campaigns that ensure everyone recognises the risks and symptoms, regardless of gender. 

How will we celebrate this year’s Pink October?

In celebration of this year’s Pink October, the Feminist Union invites you to join them on October 18th. From noon to 18.00 at the Sablettes, join them to learn more about breast cancer prevention, share information and support those affected by the disease. Throughout the afternoon, they will be organizing a range of activities; including art therapy, raffles, bracelet workshops and much more. These activities aim to create a welcoming space where people can come together, express themselves and engage with an important cause. Whether you come to practice, learn something new, create or simply endorse your support, everyone is welcome! Events as such offer an opportunity to bring communities together, remind those affected by breast cancer that they are not alone and draw attention to solidarity and support.

Pink October is more than wearing pink for a month. It is about starting conversations that might have otherwise remained unspoken. Sometimes, a simple conversation or a shared experience can make a difference by helping someone feel understood, encouraging them to seek information and advice. These conversations remind us that behind every symbol lies a deeply personal story, making it all more important to approach awareness with empathy, understanding and willingness to support one another. The next time you see a small pink ribbon, take a moment to look beyond its color. Think of the stories it carries, the lives it represents and the people whose journeys may never be seen. By coming together this October, we can help ensure that these conversations continue beyond a single month and that support, compassion and awareness remain present throughout the year. For some, Pink October means survival and hope; for others, a remembrance of someone they have lost. Awareness is more than a symbol - it is a choice to speak, to listen to act.

Photo Source: Câmara Municipal de Curitiba, Flickr