The pink ribbons, the fundraising walks, the candle light vigils. These are all well-known symbols of breast cancer, a disease that affects a vast amount of women and some men. Since breast cancer affects so many, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t been affected by this disease in some way. Breast cancer awareness is more than just wearing pink a ribbon—it’s a way to promote early detection and fundraise for the research that might someday find a cure. That being said, showing your support can be in a variety of ways—from wearing a ribbon, spray painting your yard pink (yes, this has been done), or getting pink hair extensions.

Statistics

Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States, roughly 12%. It’s no wonder that this form of cancer has touched so many people—everyone knows someone who has been affected. About 40,000 women will die from battling breast cancer this year alone. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for women, but that doesn’t make dealing with its effects any easier. The good news is that survival rates continue to go up, thanks to the pink movement.

History of the Pink Movement

Those wishing to spread awareness of breast cancer often do so by participating in the “pink” movement. In 1985, the first breast cancer awareness month was started as a way to encourage women to get their yearly mammograms, as early detection is one of the most effective ways to diminish the risks of breast cancer. In 1993, Evelyn Lauder of the make-up giant Estee Lauder, started a non-profit called The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The foundation chose the pink ribbon as its symbol, which led to its popularity.

Breast Cancer Survivors

While everyone knows someone who has experienced breast cancer on a personal level, many people might not know how many celebrities are also breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, socioeconomic status, or level of fame. Thanks to an increase in research, prevention efforts, and early detection, breast cancer survival rates have skyrocketed. According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States alone there are over 3 million survivors of breast cancer. Some you might be familiar with: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Giuliana Rancic, Sheryl Crow, Christina Applegate, and Oliva Newton-John, to name a few.

Show Your Support

The pink ribbon is symbolic of breast cancer awareness—but this movement has grown beyond a simple ribbon. Companies make all kinds of pink colored products in order to raise awareness and donate proceeds to breast cancer research and prevention. Important buildings are lit up in pink in support and even the NFL participates by using hot pink cleats and towels. You can show your support in many different ways, from painting your nails pink to wearing pink hair extensions. Remember, clip in customizable hair extensions can be dyed any color and pink extensions peeking out at the ends of your hair is a chic way to show that you stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by this disease.