October can feel different for each of us – some wear pink to celebrate, some quietly observe the month, some feel grief, and some feel unseen or misunderstood. We want to normalise it all. Here’s what you need to know about Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In a global effort to raise awareness on breast cancer, October has been designated as the Pink Month. It is a month where efforts to educate those concerned about the disease, including early identification and signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer.

Highlighting that 90% of early stage breast cancers are curable, often with treatments that conserve the organ, doctors urge all women to self-examine themselves once a month for any early signs, to visit their doctor regularly, and to get mammography periodically.

Every year, breast cancer kills more than 500,000 women around the world. In resource-poor settings, a majority of women with breast cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease, resulting in low survival rates.

Many people feel supported by the month’s events, activities, and pink merchandise. The ubiquitous pink ribbons and celebratory atmosphere can seem like a distraction from the very real need for a greater understanding of the disease and more research leading to better treatments.

• Concept & Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
• Hair & Makeup: Nighat Misbah@Depilex
• Photography & Styling: The Rohail
• Featuring: Xenab Ansari, Faryal Shahid, Maha Sheikh, Ayesha Zaheer
  & Shehrbano Hussain