Brussel's Station Europe was lit up in pink to kickstart Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday night.
The stunt was the fruit of a collaboration between the European Parliament and Pink Ribbon, Belgium’s national breast cancer organisation, ahead of a month of campaigning.
Around 100,000 women in Belgium currently have breast cancer, with about 10,500 new diagnoses being made in the country every year, according to data from Pink Ribbon. "Six out of ten breast cancers are discovered by women themselves," noted Pink Ribbon president, Dr. Jan Lamote, during a press event. "Knowing the warning signs of breast cancer is extremely important," he said.
Even though the survival rate for early diagnosed cases is 96%, for those diagnosed at an advanced stage, the rate drops to around 38%, explained Dr. Lamote. "These statistics underscore the critical need to raise awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection," he concluded.
Although breast cancer predominantly impacts women, it also affects men; Around 100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Belgium every year, according to Pink Ribbon. "Many men are not even aware of that!" highlighted vice-president of the European Parliament, Sabine Verheyen, during the press event.
"The rate of people that can survive is much higher. When it was a death sentence 30 years ago, it's not anymore, [especially] if it is detected earlier. That's the reason why we need such campaigns," added Verheyen.
European parliament president (left) receiving the Pink Ribbon's Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon. Credit: Daina Le Lardic/European Union 2024/EP
While the one-off illumination is symbolic, for Pink Ribbon’s president, the initiative represents much more: "This initiative is not just symbolic, it's a statement for European citizens, reaffirming that the fight against cancer remains a top priority for the renewed European Parliament."
During the press event, European Parliament president, Roberta Metsola confirmed this commitment: "After setting up and constituting our committees, we are boosting the work of our subcommittee on public health, which we will continue working on combating cancer, specifically with the attention that this deserves," she said. "Hold us to account, keep us on our toes."
This is the first EU institution building to be illuminated in pink. In previous years, several other landmarks and buildings across Europe and Belgium, such as the Atomium, were also illuminated to raise awareness of the disease.
Pink Ribbon is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving breast cancer treatment in Belgium. The funds raised for its projects are managed by the King Baudouin Foundation.
Further information about breast cancer and related initiatives in Belgium can be found on the Pink Ribbon website. Information on the risk of late detection of breast cancer can be found via Pink Ribbon’s online quiz.
