From ribbons pinned to clothing and pink-themed products to social media campaigns and fundraising events, the colour has become almost impossible to miss during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

But beyond the pink ribbons and hashtags is a more important question: what are we actually doing with the awareness?

The pink ribbon has become a globally recognised symbol of breast cancer awareness, often associated with hope, solidarity and support for people affected by the disease.

But awareness cannot end with wearing pink for a month.

For many people, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to start conversations that may otherwise be uncomfortable or easy to put off.

It can be as simple as learning what changes to look out for, encouraging a loved one to get checked or making time to understand your own breast health.

Turning awareness into action

Breast cancer can affect people in different ways, and recognising potential changes early is an important part of looking after your health.

Changes such as a new lump or swelling, a change in the size or shape of the breast, changes to the skin or nipple, or unusual discharge can warrant medical attention.

Not every change means cancer, but knowing what is normal for your body can make it easier to recognise when something is different.

That is where awareness becomes more than a campaign.

Instead of simply sharing a pink graphic online, people can use October as a reminder to make appointments, ask questions and encourage the people around them to take their health seriously.

The pink ribbon means something different to everyone

For someone who has never encountered breast cancer personally, a pink ribbon may simply represent awareness.

For someone who has undergone treatment, it could carry memories of a difficult period in their life.

For a family member, partner or friend, it may represent someone they love.

And for those who have lost someone to breast cancer, the symbol can carry an entirely different weight.

This is why the conversation around Breast Cancer Awareness Month should extend beyond pink merchandise and social media campaigns.

Behind every ribbon are real people and real experiences.

Awareness should not end in October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month may provide the annual reminder, but breast health does not have a calendar.

The conversations started in October can continue throughout the year, whether that means keeping up with recommended screening, understanding personal risk, knowing the signs and symptoms, or supporting someone going through treatment.

The month also provides an opportunity to look at how communities support people affected by breast cancer, particularly when access to healthcare, screening and treatment can present additional challenges.

Ultimately, the pink ribbon is a symbol. What gives it meaning is what comes after it.

So this October, wearing pink can be a starting point, but perhaps the bigger question is what we choose to do once the ribbon comes off.