Breast Cancer Awareness Month, running from October 1st to October 31st is one of the most important months of the year when it comes to learning, supporting, and educating yourself on the topic for your own health purposes as well. In this article, you'll have ten pink flower options that can serve beautifully to express acts of sympathy, love, and any other positive feeling you want to convey for any person going through breast cancer or as a way of overall support.
The Importance of Knowing About Breast Cancer and Spreading More Awareness Worldwide
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women and not only is October all about bringing more awareness to the disease, but also throughout the entire year given its seriousness, as any other type of cancer. What is it? What are the symptoms? How can you help prevent it?
Breast cancer is when breast cells mutate and become cancerous cells that multiply and form tumors. Breast cancer typically affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) age 50 and older, although women aged 30 are advised to take preventive measures as soon as possible. It is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast and it usually begins in the cells of the milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and may even spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Common symptoms of breast cancer can include:
- Lump or Thickening of a new lump or mass in the breast or underarm.
- Breast cancer can cause changes in breast size, shape, or contour.
- Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the breast skin.
- Nipple discharge, other than breast milk, or a nipple that turns inward.
- While breast cancer is not usually painful in the early stages, some women may experience breast pain.
- Swelling of part or all of the breast.
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. If you notice any of these changes, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.
While there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, there are several risk-reduction strategies that can be helpful:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
- Mammograms can help detect breast cancer in its early stages. Regular screenings are essential, especially for individuals with a family history of breast cancer.
- If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or carry specific genetic mutations, consider genetic counseling and testing.
Ultimately, knowing the facts about breast cancer will also make you more aware of how dangerous this type of cancer can be if you don't take appropriate care as a woman. The American Cancer Society estimates that through 2024-2025, there will be 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women. According to US Cancer Statistics data, the incidence of breast cancer decreased by 2.1% per year during 1999-2004 but increased by 0.3% per year during 2004-2018.
10 Pink Flowers That Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
With the most important information laid out, you may know someone whose life has been affected by the disease or who has lost a loved one. Beyond the medicinal processes which can be very harsh on the emotional and physical health of women, there are several ways you can brighten up their days as they may be passing through chemo or just not having a good emotional time as undergoing cancer is not an easy disease. Giving someone a flower bouquet is a way of getting straight into a person's heart and making them feel 10 times better emotionally. Here are 10 pink symbolic flowers that may serve as the perfect 'get better soon', or 'you're the strongest woman out there' message for women going through breast cancer.
1. Pink Carnations
This is the most symbolic type of flower behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink carnations (Dianthus) are given to all breast cancer survivors and those who are navigating treatment. They symbolize being unforgettable because not only is the treatment of undergoing chemo and other medicinal processes an event that marks a woman's life, but you see who is there for you and who isn’t. At the same time, they also symbolize love, particularly maternal love.
Photo: @celsiafloral
Photo: @mycodeofstyle
2. Pink Roses
Given their range of colors, pink roses are one of the most adaptable and loving flowers of all time. They undoubtedly symbolize the purest love, so for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a bouquet of pink roses works as a great gift to lift a patient's or survivor's mood. To get in a little deeper, light pink roses stand for optimism, grace, and elegance, making them a staple flower for this special month.
It's important to notice the impact that flowers can have on anyone on any given day. Flowers have a purpose. Their purpose is to enlighten, brighten, and make someone's day more beautiful and meaningful with their endless colors and shapes. Flowers are here to be your companions in your best and worst moments!
3. Pink Lilies
Another one of the most beautiful and symbolic pink flowers that support Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the lily. There is no other designation for the strength used by someone fighting cancer except being a true star battling this disease. The encouraging 90% five-year survival rate demonstrates that many people with the disease win their battle. Breast cancer floral arrangements during the awareness month can serve as a symbol of support and hope as well as a means to look ahead to a better future and lilies are one of the most beautiful options to use in an arrangement to show your support.
4. Pink Gerbera Daisies
Bright, joyful, and motivating pink Gerbera Daisies are the perfect way to express your love for a strong woman during this month. In particular, light pink gerberas signify respect, admiration, and compassion. Darker tones of pink, on the other hand, are often a symbol of gratitude, converting them into a statement flower showing support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
5. Pink Snapdragons
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) have plenty of colors, much like many other flowers. Symbolizing this month, pink Snapdragons are usually given out to women who have been through a rough time during the disease. With their pink colors, they provide a little unexpectedness. These are ideal to give to a woman who is fighting breast cancer and enjoys humor as you urge them to 'snap to it and keep being the strongest woman out there to fight for a healthy and happy recovery.
6. Pink Ranunculus
Ranunculus are beloved for their colors, unique shape, stems, voluminous paper-thin petals, and sweet nature. Their big, bright blooms, with a vase life of eight days to two weeks, make them an excellent choice for a special arrangement that can be sent to any of your loved ones during their cancer treatment.
The color pink is a symbol of romance, love, and gentle feelings. This color goes perfectly with the symbolic meaning of the ranunculus flower. All in all, pink ranunculus flowers are a perfect gift to demonstrate your infinite and limitless love and support for your tough fighter! You will certainly make them happy.
7. Pink Orchids
First and most importantly, the orchid flower symbolizes strength, and your loved ones will feel your affection when they receive it. Orchids, such as Phalaenopsis or Cymbidiums, can never go wrong when it comes to their beauty uplifting anyone's spirit. What's the first thing someone does when seeing an orchid? It's an immediate wow reaction, and it could be a great gesture to get that 'wow' feeling from someone who is going through a rough time during breast cancer treatment.
Photo: @interflora_au
8. Pink Chrysanthemums
The options to support someone who has been through breast cancer or is going through treatment right now are endless. Flowers represent pure love, and in this case, pink Chrysanthemums are a great choice to demonstrate it. One of the most vital representations of the pink chrysanthemum is longevity. Wishing that strong, tough woman more longevity will only make things greater. In general, Chrysanthemums are believed to represent happiness, love, longevity, and joy.
9. Pink Calla Lilies
Presenting pink calla lilies (Zantedeschia) to breast cancer survivors can be a beautiful gesture of value for their strength and resilience. It acknowledges their journey and celebrates their survival. Sending a bouquet of pink calla lilies to someone currently undergoing breast cancer treatment is also a way to show appreciation for their courage and offer your support during a challenging time. These flowers also serve as a visual reminder of the acknowledgment and support for those affected by the disease.
10. Pink Clematis
In the language of flowers, pink flowers in general often symbolize love, gratitude, and admiration. So, pink Clematis can be associated with these sentiments and may be used during BCAM to express love and support for those going through it, to show gratitude to survivors and caregivers, and to convey admiration for the strength and resilience of individuals facing the disease. The use of pink clematis can still serve as a meaningful gesture of support and solidarity during this important awareness month.
Whatever your choice may be, all of these pink flowers are a clear way of supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and every woman who is going through this challenging health process. Remember that the entire month will be dedicated to going all pink for the patients and survivors. Get yourself some pink on today and remember to touch yourself as a gesture of self-care and prevention.
