Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women. Statistics show that every woman has a 1-to-8 chance of being diagnosed with the illness. And every year, the numbers are increasing. That is why more and more people are spreading information about it, raising funds to help patients and conducting research for its prevention and cure. And what better way to symbolize breast cancer awareness and advocacy is through the breast cancer ribbon.

Its Origin and What It Symbolizes

The pink ribbon was first used in the 1990s. During that time, wearing ribbons was the trend to promote awareness and advocacies for different causes. Who can forget the red AIDS ribbon during events and awards such as the Oscars and Tony Awards? But the ribbon's roots can be traced back to 1979, when families and friends of Iranian hostages used a yellow ribbon to signify hope and solidarity.

A healthy person is said to be "in the pink of health." That is the reason why the color pink was chosen for the ribbon. The color of health was used to give hope and strength to the patients who are suffering from the illness. The bright and vibrant color has also been a symbol of femininity, making it all truly perfect to represent an illness that afflicts women.

This is not to say that men do not have their own version of the breast cancer ribbon. While few men may have suffered from the disease, this does not mean that men should take this for granted. That is why there is also a breast cancer ribbon for males. In addition to the color pink is blue - to signify that men, too, can be ill with breast cancer. It was created in 1996 by Nancy Nick. Since then, it was used by groups and organizations such as the John W. Nick Foundation to increase awareness of breast cancer among men.

From then up to now, people realize the importance of funding cancer research, for without financial help, researchers will not be able to discover new medicine, treatment, as well as screening test procedures. Companies are also doing their part to help in this endeavor. Some jewelers manufacture rings and necklaces with the ribbon design. For example, a cosmetics company Estee Lauder launched the pink ribbon design in their compacts. Avon has raised millions of dollars from sales of products which featured the ribbon.

At present, the breast cancer ribbon can be seen in any race or fund-raising event dedicated to breast cancer patients. It can be seen practically anywhere - in breast cancer walks, marathons, fashion shows and all other fund-raising events. Designers and manufacturers have incorporated the design in almost anything - robes, pins, shirts, quilts, tree ornaments, stuffed toys and pens. When you buy any of these products, a fraction of the amount you pay is donated to breast cancer research or foundation.

Wearing the Pink Ribbon

Making the lapel pin is easy. You will need a piece of ribbon 0.5 inches wide and 3 inches long. The ends must be cut at an angle or diagonally. With the longer edge on top, hold the ribbon at its midpoint. Then fold the left end down so the edge now points downward. You can make a crease on the fold if desired. Still holding the midpoint and with the left end folded down, bring the right end down so the two edges cross at a point below the midpoint. The point where the ends cross need to be secured by a pin or glue or you can sew them together with a stitch or two.

Now you can wear your own pink ribbon lapel pin. Show your support for women all over the world. That person can be someone in the family, or a friend, or nobody in particular. Wear the pink ribbon as a lapel pin, or as a shirt design. Or you can post a picture in your website. The breast cancer ribbon is not only a symbol of awareness. More importantly, it is the symbol of hope and faith for those diagnosed with the illness - hope and faith that, with the advances in medicine and support of the people who love them, they can be cured.