Breast cancer awareness and hope

October is only a few days away. It’s time to get in the pink for breast cancer hope, awareness, and uniting people in support of those affected.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), an annual campaign established in 1985 to increase education, promote early detection, and raise funds for research.  Routine screenings, such as mammograms and self-exams, significantly improve survival rates.

In addition to the pastel pink most people have come to recognize, breast cancer ribbons come in a variety of hues: hot pink for inflammatory breast cancer, teal and pink for both hereditary and gynecologic cancers, pink and blue for male breast cancer, and teal, pink, and green for metastatic breast cancer.

Since the inception of BCAM, breast cancer death rates have dropped substantially as awareness and treatment technologies have advanced.

Great news but not great enough

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. Each year, about 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer.
• In 2026, approximately 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 60,730 women will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is non-invasive.
• About 16% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years of age.
• About 42,140 women will die from breast cancer in 2026.
• Less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men.

Even better news for breast cancer care is that the John B. Amos Cancer Center and Piedmont Oncology are bringing in doctors with more than 50 years of experience, including two breast surgeons, Dr. Linh O’Connor and Dr. David Rock, and a medical oncologist, Dr. Yetunde Ogunsesan.

“Our oncology program continues to grow to meet the needs of our community, and the addition of these three providers is incredibly beneficial to patients facing a cancer diagnosis,” said John B. Amos Cancer Center Executive Director Sheree Tolbert, PharmD. “With their added expertise, advanced technological treatment capabilities and supportive services programs, patients can be confident they will receive high-quality cancer care close to home.”

“These providers have over 50 years combined experience and have a strong patient and family focused approach to care,” said Whitaker Endowed Chief of Piedmont Oncology Wally Curran, M.D. “They will serve cancer patients from West Georgia, South Georgia and East Alabama well, guiding them through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery stages.”

Doing your part

There are several upcoming events where you can be part of fundraising and raising awareness.

Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon

• Date & Time: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• Venue: Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center, 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901
• Description: Hosted by Southern Alliance Radiology, this annual indoor event features a Pink Partner expo before lunch. Proceeds benefit the Elena Amos Breast Care Center at Piedmont Columbus Regional. You can purchase tickets or donate via the Piedmont Foundation Giving Portal.

Paint the Town Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk

• Date & Time: Friday, October 23, 2026 (Time TBA)
• Venue: Woodruff Riverfront Park, 1000 Bay Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
• Description: Presented by the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition, this annual fundraiser helps the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Cancer Assistance Fund to support local patients undergoing active treatment.
• Cost: Registration starts at $30. Sign-ups are available on the Paint the Town Pink Facebook Page.

7th Annual Big Pink Brunch

• Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM
• Venue: Magnolia Dreams Event Center, 6007 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA 31909
• Description: A pink tea affair and fellowship event honoring breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and families while raising community awareness. Tickets and event updates can be found on the Big Pink Brunch Facebook Event Page.

22nd Annual Think Pink: Warriors in Pink

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM
• Venue: Spencer Cancer Center, 2501 Village Professional Drive, Opelika, AL 36801
• Description: A family-friendly outdoor morning social supporting the Spencer Cancer Center Breast Health Fund for East Alabama patients.
• Cost: $15 per ticket (including an event T-shirt). Registration details are listed via the Think Pink Facebook Event Page.