Not my eight

Statistics say that one in eight women in the US develops breast cancer over their lifetime. That is why the country’s biggest integrated cancer care network 21st Century Oncology came up with the #NOTMY8 Challenge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The focus was on encouraging women to schedule a mammogram and to then get 8 of her friends and family to get checked too. Those who participate are encouraged to share photos and videos on social media with #NOTMY8.

Kate steps up

Actor Kate Winslet, 44, who lost her mother to ovarian cancer in 2017, took part in a new campaign by Ovarian Cancer Action in October. She hopes to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research through the new campaign. Winslet has lent her voice for the campaign video, which features music by British singer Birdy, and a group of young girls reciting the words to I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. “For many years ovarian cancer has been overlooked and underfunded. It’s cancer that takes the life of a woman every two hours here in the UK, and early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death. But we can change this,” said Cary Wakefield, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Action.

A city in pink

The first Sunday in June is celebrated as National Cancer Survivors Day, and to mark this very special day, Kolkata-based DS Research Centre organized a walk to celebrate the grit of survivors. It was also used as an awareness initiative to spread the word on the challenges faced by survivors as well as to motivate those who are undergoing cancer treatment. The center also launched a nationwide campaign that highlighted the importance of support for cancer patients and survivors.

Catch ‘Em Young

As part of its Pink October campaign, ZAHRI—an initiative by the union members of Government Medical College in Kozhikode—has been reaching out to students of Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Idukki, Palakkad, and Kannur districts. The breast cancer awareness sessions, including the importance of self-exams, is held for students in high school and above. The team also held a hair donation camp and an initiative that brought together cancer survivors to share their stories.

Erin Brockovich To The Rescue

American environmental activist Erin Brokovich has been roped in by an Australian law firm in its fight against the federal government. More than 20 sites across Australia are probably contaminated by PFAs (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) that were used by the Australian defense forces in firefighting from the 1970s on. From 2004, the defense department has been phasing out the substance but much of it still remains in the environment. More than 40,000 Australians may ultimately be involved in the class actions initiated by Shine Lawyers.