Purple Bra Day is on September 18, and we’re going to show you how you can celebrate this day in the best way possible. Do you know that it has been 22 years since Breast Cancer Care W.A. was established? Since then the establishment has provided financial and mental support for thousands of people with breast cancer. Purple Bra Day, a drive organized by Breast Cancer Care W.A. was created to encourage people to donate to the cause and to raise awareness about breast cancer. People celebrate this day by volunteering, raising funds, and wearing a purple bra on top of their clothing to show support to breast cancer patients.
History of Purple Bra Day
The discovery of breast cancer in humans was way earlier than you would imagine it to be. Studies show that humans had detected breast cancer as early as 2500 B.C. The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, which is an ancient Egyptian text containing surgical methods, has many cases of breast cancer mentioned in it. There are some texts from 400 B.C. written by Hippocrates that also mention cases of breast cancer in women.
During the first century, there was a belief among medical professionals that breast cancer might have a connection with menopause. This belief might have arisen from the fact that cancer was mostly seen in older patients. Religion also influenced medical practices. While some sections of society deemed surgery barbaric, others were keener on developing surgical practices for improving medical treatment.
In 1882, the first-ever mastectomy was performed by William Halsted. The procedure was followed until 1932, when a better method was discovered which ensured that it was not disfiguring the patient. In 1937, radiation therapy was used for the first time to treat cancer. Tamoxifen, a revolutionary drug that decreased the risk of breast cancer in women by 50% was discovered in 1998.
In the year 2000, Breast Cancer Care W.A. was founded to raise funds for breast cancer patients and offer them support in other ways. An initiative called Purple Bra Day was created by the organization to raise awareness about breast cancer and to encourage people to join the effort.
Purple Bra Day timeline
Some of the first diagnosis reports of breast cancers are recorded in Edwin Smith's Surgical Papyrus.
The first mastectomy is performed by William Halsted.
Radiation therapy is used for the first time to treat cancer.
Purple Bra Day is created to support breast cancer patients in every way possible.
Purple Bra Day FAQs
What are the starting symptoms of breast cancer?
Some of the starting symptoms of breast cancer are swelling at a part of the breast, thickening of the breast skin, and discharge from the nipples other than breast milk.
Does a mastectomy get rid of breast cancer?
A mastectomy is one of the options to treat breast cancer where the whole breast tissue is removed. In a lumpectomy, only the tumor is removed.
Do breasts grow back after a mastectomy?
The breast tissue is completely removed in a mastectomy, and hence it is highly unlikely that breasts will grow back. However, you can get breast reconstruction to maintain the natural appearance of breasts.
How to Observe Purple Bra Day
Volunteer for the campaign
Register yourself for the I.G.A. Purple Bra Day Street Appeal. Participate in the fundraising efforts to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients
Wear a purple bra
Show your support to the cause by wearing a purple bra on top of your shirt. Men can join the movement as well.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of you wearing purple bras and volunteering for the cause, and share them on your social media pages.
5 Facts About Breast Cancer That Will Blow Your Mind
Screening lowers the risk
The risk of dying from breast cancer is reduced by 47% by regular screening.
It can occur in men
Though the chances are one in 1,000, breast cancer can occur in men too.
It has the greatest survival rate
There are about 3.5 million breast cancer survivors.
It is called ‘nun's disease’
Breast cancer is sometimes referred to as nun's disease as women who have never had children are at a greater risk of developing it.
It can occur in animals
Breast cancer is also seen in cats and dogs.
Why Purple Bra Day is Important
It gives us a chance to make a difference
This day gives us a chance to make a difference in a cancer patient's life. Each donation, no matter how small, does help in improving their lives.
It reminds us about the importance of health
Regular scanning and checkups can reduce the risk of cancer by multiple folds. This day reminds us to prioritize our health.
It gives us a chance to educate others
This day gives us a chance to raise awareness about breast cancer. It gives us a chance to educate about the treatment options and tips to prevent it.
Purple Bra Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 18 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | September 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 18 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 18 | Monday |
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