October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In October 1985, the first organized movement on the dangers of breast cancer occurred in the United States, marking the origination of October as we know it today. Campaigns are organized annually to inform the public about the disease, the importance of regular mammograms, and methods of prevention and early detection.
Pink Ribbon. This ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer. Its origin goes way back, but in 1992 it became a symbol of breast cancer in the US, signifying an urgent need to bring this health issue to the forefront.
Hope in Symbolism. While the color pink may seem soft and gentle, breast cancer is hostile and intrusive — polar opposites. As such, the pink ribbon represents a fear of breast cancer but hope for the future; because it is through hope that people are driven to fight this disease.
Erudera Wears the Pink Ribbon. Organizations and individuals around the world use pink in October, aiming to show moral support and increase awareness of the illness. To support the promotion of breast cancer awareness, Erudera has compiled a list of top five universities that contribute to research and studies on breast cancer — to acknowledge their powerful efforts.
There are several international research programs tackling breast cancer:
- The University of Helsinki
Finland
- The University of Helsinki started a 5.2 million US$ research program on metastatic breast cancer.
- The project will be implemented in close collaboration with patient advocacy groups in the US and in Finland, exploring new ways to communicate science to patients and the public.
- University of Nottingham
The United Kingdom
- Developed the Nottingham Prognostic Index in the 1980s.
- One of only four UK centers providing vital tumor tissue for research through the Breast Cancer Now Tissue Bank.
- The University of Aberdeen
The United Kingdom
- Recently established a multidisciplinary cancer research program.
- Key people from across the University and NHS Grampian involved in all aspects of cancer research, including cell and molecular biology, pathology, surgery, oncology, primary care, health psychology, health data science, and public health work collaboratively, delivering patient-centered research to advance understanding, treatment, prevention and care of all cancers.
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
The United States
- The program builds upon the UC’s longstanding history and current strengths within the Department of Cancer Biology and many other academic units at UC and CCHMC to understand the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence, and to promote multidisciplinary collaborations and the development of safer and more effective next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics.
- The University of Arizona
The United States
- The mission of the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute is to provide the best cancer care for breast cancer patients in the state of Arizona and beyond through cutting-edge research.
HT
Source: University of Helsinki
