Byondis Lights Up Research Building for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

In honor of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, 13 October, Byondis B.V., an independent, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company creating targeted medicines, will light up the research building on its Nijmegen campus in the MBC colors of green, teal and pink.

Byondis joins more than 200 iconic buildings around the world in the 3rd Annual #LightUpMBC global landmark campaign to shine a light on the importance of awareness and funding for stage IV metastatic breast cancer research.

In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization¹. When most people think of breast cancer, they aren’t thinking of metastatic breast cancer, which is responsible for those deaths.

“While this campaign is about shining a light on the disease and the need for more resources, it’s also about showing solidarity. We think it’s important for people affected by metastatic breast cancer to know that they have our support. And it’s a good reminder of why we do what we do,” said Corina Ramers-Verhoeven, Byondis vice president of communications.

Approximately 30 percent of early-stage breast cancer survivors will have a recurrence as metastatic disease, even after completing successful treatment. Metastases can occur as early as several months to 25-plus years after treatment².

According to MBC non-profit organization METAvivor, while the pink ribbon is known for breast cancer, most MBC patients feel that it alone is not representative of their experience. The additional colors signify metastatic disease, with green symbolizing renewal, hope, and immortality, and teal symbolizing healing and spirituality².

1. World Health Organization. (2021, March 26). Breast cancer. World Health Organization. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
2. METAvisor. (n.d.). #lightupmbc 2021. METAvivor. Retrieved October 6, 2021, from https://www.metavivor.org/take-action/campaigns/lightupmbc