Purple Bra Day is an annual event celebrated in Australia to support and raise funds for breast cancer patients, as approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and over 6 lakhs deaths were caused by breast cancer. Cancer Care Western Australia established Purple Bra Day to raise funds, support, and awareness about breast cancer. The non-profit organization works to provide basic health services and financial support to breast cancer patients. Let's take a quick look at Purple Bra Day.
| Event | Purple Bra Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 23, 2022 |
| Day | Friday |
| Significance | Supports the patients with Breast Cancer |
| Observed by | Australia |
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Purple Bra Day: History
Humans have known about breast cancer for a long time, and evidence of human knowledge about breast cancer can be found in many texts, such as Edwin Smith's Surgical Papyrus, which describes cases of breast cancer, which dates back to around 3,000-2,500 B.C.E, and information about breast cancer can also be found in texts to Hippocrates, who described the stage of breast cancer in detail arround 400s B.C.E.
Whereas in the first century it was thought that breast cancer was linked to menstruation because the number of cases of breast cancer was higher in older women after menopause, later studies provided us with a proper reason for breast cancer. Where the doctors also experimented with surgical incisions to destroy tumors.
Following the Middle Ages, we saw a surge in research and development, with John Hunter, known as the Scottish father of investigative surgery, identifying lymph as a cause of breast cancer, and William Halsted performing the first radical mastectomy in 1882, which became the standard method of treating breast cancer for the next 20 years.
Radiation therapy was introduced in 1937 in addition to sparing the breast, and later on many research and development evolved the process of treating patients with breast cancer, where many drugs such as anastrozole, Tamoxifen, raloxifene, and many others are used in the treatment of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Care WA was founded in 2000 with the goal of providing support for breast cancer patients, and they also founded the Purple Bra Day with the goal of raising awareness about breast cancer and funds to help breast cancer patients.
Purple Bra Day: Significance
Even with such technological advancements, we can only see a few improvements in breast cancer treatment from the 1930s to the 1970s. Where Approximately half of all breast cancers occur in women who have no identifiable risk factors for breast cancer other than gender (female) and age (over 40 years).
Breast cancer treatment can be highly effective if the disease is detected and diagnosed early. Thus, raising awareness about breast cancer is important not only for bringing the general public's attention to it, but also for awakening policymakers to improve breast cancer health care facilities.
The occurrence of Purple Bra Day becomes even more significant, as thousands of people show their support by encouraging patients, donating to their treatment, and raising awareness about breast cancer throughout the day. The day also reminds thousands of patients across Australia that they are not alone in their fight against breast cancer, making the observance of Purple Bra Day even more important.
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Purple Bra Day: Activities
There are number of activities through which you can be the part of the Purple Bra Day.
1. Learn more about the Breast Cancer: You can simply improve your knowledge by learning more about the breast caner like its symptoms and also the Behavioural choices and related interventions that reduce the risk of breast cancer.
2. Raise awareness about the day: You can simply be a part of the National event by spreading the word about Purple Bra Day and bringing thousands of people together through social media platforms to show support for breast cancer patients.
3. Donate: You can simply show your support for the breast cancer patient by donating a portion of your income to help the patient financially.
Purple Bra Day: FAQ
1. When is Purple Bra Day in the year 2022?
This year's Purple Bra Day will be held on September 23rd in Australia, with the goal of supporting breast cancer patients.
2. What are the first signs of breast cancer?
Breast cancer early symptoms can include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.
3. What is the significance of Purple Bra Day?
Purple Bra Day is observed to raise awareness about breast cancer as well as to show support for breast cancer patients.