PINK OCTOBER
TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC FOOD YOU SHOULD TRY
October 12, 2021
WHALES IN ICELAND
October 18, 2021October is a special month of the year, not because of Halloween coming up at the end of the month, but because it is the international month dedicated to breast cancer awareness and it is no exception in Iceland! It also is the occasion for us to talk about this cancer and to sensibilize you about it.
This cancer is known to touch women but it can also touch men even though it is much rarer. Every year an average of 850 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and today, 9.000 women are still alive after having breast cancer in Iceland (over a population of about 366.000 inhabitants). In the world, it was 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2020 and less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men.
Nowadays, our society has evolved, our consumption too and this cancer is no longer developing after 40-50 years old, it can happen way sooner and pass undetected for many years due to a young age. For this reason, self palpation/examination really is important. We left for you a video that might help you to proceed the self examination:
In case of any doubts, any odd sensations, lump, unusual shapes, pain, it is important to check on it with a doctor. The earlier the cancer is detected, the better it will be to treat it properly.
The Icelandic Cancer Society is annually running a campaign for women cancer raising funds with the brand “Pink Ribbon”. During Pink October in Iceland, you can participate to the cause by purchasing this year’s necklace designed specially for this month.
During Pink October, you can see many companies taking the pink color, supporting the cause. For instance, at the Blue Lagoon and at many other stores in the country, you can buy the Pink Ribbon necklace.
This year’s campaign is focusing on the existence, to celebrate, just live, be there for any women diagnosed, supporting each other and living together. Getting diagnosed is a very long and difficult process that is changing your life and the one of your loved ones. It is a sudden and brutal moment to live, this is why you need all the support possible. The Icelandic Cancer Society is an association there to support you in the process. It is important to surround yourself, get all the support possible. If you know someone who is fighting this cancer, be the support, it is highly important in such tough moments.
