National No Bra Day Timeline

1600 BC

First Recorded Instance of Cancer

The first case of any cancer was mentioned in Egypt on The Edwin Smith Papyrus. It described eight different cases of growths and ulcers found within the breast.

1882

First Radical Mastectomy

The Halsted Mastectomy (which is considered the first radical mastectomy) was performed by American surgeon William Halsted.

1985

Breast Cancer Awareness Week Launches

A weeklong organized event occurred in the United States in order to spread breast cancer awareness.

1991

Pink Ribbons Become Symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation began handing out pink ribbons to breast cancer survivors running in its Race For The Cure event.