Pink Hat Day 2024 raises funds for breast cancer prevention

The event aimed to connect the community and raise awareness on breast cancer prevention and healthcare, with this year marking the beginning of a new decade in Breast Cancer Network Vietnam's (BCNV) mission to 'Repaint Life in Pink', highlighting the campaign's evolving theme, 'Shades of Pink: Unity Pink - Protection Pink - Hope Pink'. The event saw participation from a wide range of attendees, including cancer patients, their families, healthcare professionals, businesses, and individual supporters.

One of the key highlights was Pink Run 2024, a race that attracted over 4,000 participants across 5km, 10km, and 15km categories. Among the runners were visually impaired athletes from the Hoa Khuyet Club in Ca Mau, showcasing the event’s spirit of inclusivity and resilience.

Pink Run 2024 attracted over 4,000 participants. Photo: BCNV

Prominent figures such as Miss Cosmo 2024 Ketut Permata Juliastrid Sari, Miss Universe Vietnam 2023 Xuan Hanh, model Cao Thien Trang, and social influencers like Thu Huong (Babbykopo Home), An Tran, Duong Pham, and Phuong Anh also took part in the event. Participants ran along vibrant, pink-themed courses under the slogan 'Running for My Loved Ones', encouraging physical fitness and solidarity while raising awareness about breast cancer prevention.

The hair donation area, managed by BCNV’s Pink Hair Salon network, was another highlight of the day with over 1,500 people donating their hair to cancer patients. The donation drive adheres to strict quality standards, ensuring that every strand is suitable for wig production.

One standout donor was To Khac Duy, a 63-year-old from Ben Tre, who returned to Pink Hat Day for his second hair donation. "Although I could have sent my hair by mail, I wanted to be here in person," Duy said. "I’m happy knowing my hair might help someone in need."

BCNV further strengthened its support by donating 50 Pinkmate bras to low-income breast cancer patients. All proceeds from the event will go towards essential services for cancer patients, including wigs, post-surgery bras, and mental and physical recovery activities.

The hair donation drive was the largest live hair donation event of the year. Photo: BCNV

BCNV is focussed on raising awareness about breast cancer screening and prevention under the slogan 'Repaint Life in Pink'.

As part of these efforts, BCNV launched the 'For My Loved Ones' workshop series to offer courses on nutrition, mental wellbeing, yoga, and creative arts, encouraging communities to come together in the fight against breast cancer. With a focus on early detection and support, the campaign aims to inspire collective action and build a brighter future for those affected by the illness.

Pink Hat Day is a significant milestone in BCNV’s 10-year journey of supporting breast cancer patients and their caregivers. In Vietnam, breast cancer ranked first among all types of cancer in both men and women in 2022, with nearly 25,000 cases and the fourth-highest mortality rate, with over 10,000 deaths – the highest in the preceding 20 years. Breast cancer patients lack crucial knowledge and information about the disease, leading to late detection and difficulties in treatment.

"If we can implement preventive healthcare measures effectively, such as awareness campaigns and early cancer screenings, we can reduce the healthcare burden on patients, families, and society. Instead of spending billions on late-stage treatment, causing psychological distress for patients and their families, annual screenings can detect early signs and increase the chances of curing the disease," said Nguyen Thuy Tien, BCNV’s founder. "BCNV remains committed to inspiring action and fostering support to ensure that no breast cancer patient faces their journey alone."

Seeking to address challenges of cancer treatment costs in Vietnam Policymakers, experts, and businesses gathered at a workshop in Hanoi on August 23 to discuss the application of health technology assessment (HTA) in decision-making for the reimbursement of cancer treatment drugs.

Hong Kong breast cancer foundation "Pink Walk 2024" charity walk concluded successfully Nearly 2,000 Pink Walkers gathered at The Peak Walk for Breast Health, Together We Can

High hopes for Children’s Cancer Run 2024 The Children’s Cancer Run 2024 will take place on November 17 at The Global City in Ho Chi Minh City.