Pink October 2023
September 29, 2023
Pink October is the month-long annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer. As happens every year, Pink October 2023 will be marked by a large number of events organized to raise funds for medical and scientific research and increase awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. In France, The Ruban Rose association is organizing an unprecedented event on Sunday the 1st of October on the Champs-Élysées for the launch of the 2023 Pink October campaign. In the UK, Breast Cancer UK is encouraging everyone to get active with a 30-day challenge to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and raise money to support breast cancer prevention. In the US, the focus of the National Breast Cancer Foundation is on ensuring Pink October does “more than raise awareness” and promotes action on fundraising and screening.
The best defense against breast cancer: early detection
Although breast cancer can also occur in men, 99% of cases occur in women. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women and the deadliest. However, when detected at an early stage, around 90% of women will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis, highlighting the importance of screening and prevention. Depending on national screening programs and individual risk factors, women from the age of 40–50 years are advised to undergo regular mammograms to screen for early signs of breast cancer. Frequent breast self-exams are also advised, but do not replace regular mammograms or physical examinations by a healthcare professional. Detected early, breast cancer is generally easier to treat with less risk of sequelae, better therapeutic outcomes, and an increased chance of recovery.
Pink October events
As the color pink was chosen as the international symbol for the fight against breast cancer, monuments around the world are adorned with pink on the occasion of this annual campaign, and many people wear the pink ribbon to show their support and commitment to the fight against this disease.
During Pink October, many sporting events, auctions, collections and other events are organized to raise funds for medical and scientific research, and for associations that help and support people with cancer. Free screening campaigns are also offered across France and in other countries.
Check your local news to find out how to participate in events near you.
Management of dermatological side effects of cancer treatments
Santé Active Edition – Synergy Pharm is proud to support the campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention and treatment. Our medical writing team regularly participates in the writing of scientific articles in the field of oncology. In particular, we have contributed to the publication of several articles devoted to dermato-oncology, the side effects related to cancer treatments, and the care available to treat them.
Indeed, treatments against breast cancer (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.) very frequently cause dermatological adverse effects, due to disruption of the skin barrier. Dermatological and dermocosmetic support can be beneficial for many patients, improving not only their skin symptoms and pain, but also their quality of life and psychological well-being.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of supportive care, as reported in the review entitled “Thermal hydrotherapy and dermocosmetics as supportive care for dermatological toxicities due to anticancer treatments“, which was written by members of our Medical and scientific communication agency and published in a special issue of the Annals of Dermatology and Venereology in June 2023. This review also presents Avène Laboratories’ Skin & Cancer program, which combines different approaches for the management of dermatological adverse effects due to cancer treatments, such as:
- The provision of information tools on dermatological toxicities and their treatments, intended for patients who have received anti-cancer treatments and health professionals.
- The development of new dermocosmetic products that specifically meet the needs of these patients.
- The proposal of thermal cures and dedicated dermocosmetic advice workshops for the follow-up of anticancer treatment.