3 Breast Cancer Organizations To Support This October And Beyond

Pink—it's the color strongly associated with femininity, tenderness, fresh beginnings, and new hope.

It comes to no surprise then that it's the color of Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, but its use during this time goes well beyond womanhood and its varied symbolism; the pink ribbon in particular, which turns 29 years old this year, is worn proudly to represent solidarity between patients, survivors, and their families and display the commitment of social institutions to serve them. It brings to mind how we, as individuals, can make real and lasting impacts on the lives affected by the disease. 

In the Philippines, no one knows this better than the organizations that exist to further breast cancer awareness efforts and charitable initiatives. Whether they work towards educating women on detection, diagnosis, and treatment, breaking down misconceptions, improving medical facilities, providing financial assistance, or organizing safe spaces for healing and comfort, they're truly worth your attention—not only this October, but for the month, and years, to come.

Below, we rounded up a list of organizations for you to consider supporting: 

ICanServe Foundation

The ICanServe Foundation was established in 1999 and was a pioneering force in the community and remains to be one of the most recognized. It was one of the first organizations to recognize that women diagnosed and battling with breast cancer don't only have medical needs, but also have needs for belonging, emotional support, and psychological well-being. Breast cancer care, to them, goes well beyond the hospital bed and they recognized that this is a disease that doesn't only change bodies, but has great impacts on lives, too. Every year, they launch different campaigns, and they accept donations as well as welcome volunteers. 

Learn more about them here.

Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer

If you have the heart of a volunteer, this foundation is where you'll find fulfillment. The Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and in its three decades of existence, it has mainly served indigent patients, bringing quality medical care to communities most in need of it. Early detection is one of their foremost advocacies as it the most potent defense against cancer and treatment; through different partnerships and with the help of the public, they continue to build a breast cancer health system that is pro-poor and guided by the mantra "make a difference, save a life."

Learn more about them here.

Philippine Cancer Society

Founded in 1952, the Philippine Cancer Society was established to enlighten greater society about cancer. Seven decades ago, Filipinos didn't know what they do about terminal illness today; linking lifestyle to cancer prevention, the dangers of smoking, hereditary factors and everything we consider "common knowledge" about cancer today were groundbreaking discoveries then, and thanks is due to this organization for filling this crucial gap between information and education. For those hoping to further cancer research as a whole and make a difference in the medical field, the Philippine Cancer Society always welcomes donors and appreciates volunteers.

Learn more about them here.

Lead photos via @icanserve, Pexels, and Unsplash