The Power Is in Your Hands: Medline Celebrates Pink October Across EMEA
The Power Is in Your Hands: Medline Celebrates Pink October Across EMEA
12
th
November
2026
12
Nov
2026
Breast cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges facing women today. According to Think Pink Europe, 1 in 8 women in Europe will be affected by breast cancer during her lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women across the continent. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women. Limited awareness, and barriers within health systems often prevent people from using early detection services. As a result, many are diagnosed at a later stage, leading to poorer outcomes. For the past few years, we have supported Pink October initiatives to help advance these objectives. This year, across our organization, teams came together to champion awareness through a variety of activities designed to engage employees, healthcare professionals, and local communities.
"Our partnership with Think Pink Europe has shown us that awareness is powerful when it is supported by practical, trustworthy information. That’s what makes Think Pink Europe such a valuable partner. Through education and advocacy efforts, we can help people better understand breast health, learn how to perform self-checks, recognise potential warning signs, and learn the importance of regular screening and early detection. We can also provide guidance that encourages healthier lifestyle choices. Together, we can bring these important messages to more communities and support the shared goal of access to the information and resources,”
Oliver Watts
Sustainability Director EMEA
Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Across Europe
For Pink October, teams across EMEA came together to show their support and help raise awareness through local initiatives. On October 20th, our colleagues across EMEA celebrated by wearing pink to work. Many offices organised their own activities like a Pink Breakfast and awareness sessions. These moments created time and space to connect, start meaningful conversations, and stand in solidarity with this important cause. Together, they reminded us of something simple yet powerful: when people unite around a shared cause, even small acts of support can create a lasting impact. We also highlighted our pink products in our trade shows and events that took place throughout the month. Whether that was in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UAE or elsewhere, we came together to support a cause we believe in.
"What I love about Pink October campaign is seeing how our colleagues across EMEA come together to support something that matters to so many of us. Breast cancer touches the lives of our families, friends and colleagues, so this is a cause that feels very personal. I'm proud to see how much our people care and how naturally they turn that care into action. For me, this is what makes Medline special. It's not just about what we do as a company, but also about the people we are and how we support each other,"
Michela Toffali
Director Marketing and Communications EMEA
Tennis & Friends 2026: Bringing Prevention to Life in Italy
In Italy, Tennis & Friends 2026 gave us an opportunity to support one of the region’s most important health-prevention initiatives. The event brought together public and private healthcare organisations to offer free screenings and specialist consultations to communities across Lazio. In collaboration with our partner COPAG, we focused on encouraging prevention, raising awareness of breast cancer, and empowering people to take an active role in their health.
Through the distribution of nearly 25,000 pink-themed items including pink scrub suits, face masks, and exam gloves, we helped spark conversations about early detection and the importance of regular check-ups. The event allowed us to connect with healthcare professionals from hospitals across Rome, strengthening existing relationships and introducing Medline to new audiences.
Positioned alongside the main stage and close to some of Rome’s leading healthcare institutions, we shared a message of Pink October that goes beyond products, of prevention, awareness, and community engagement. Most importantly, the experience reminded us of the power of bringing people together and left us inspired to build on this momentum in the years to come.
Moving Forward Together
As Pink October has come to a close, the conversations, connections, and experiences created throughout the month serve as a reminder of the impact of collaboration, small actions, and the importance of keeping people at the heart of healthcare. Looking forward, this is what we hope to carry with us:
1. Collaboration creates community
When individuals, healthcare professionals, survivors, and organisations come together, conversations become easier and it can reduce stigma. Open dialogue about screenings and early detection helps build support networks that encourage people to seek information and care.
2. Small actions matter
Small actions can have a meaningful impact on breast cancer awareness. A conversation with a friend, access to educational resources, a regular self-check, or booking a screening can all contribute to earlier detection and greater awareness. Over time, these simple actions become proactive health decisions and help more people feel confident to reach out to a healthcare professional if needed.
3. Awareness is emotional, too
Breast cancer awareness is not only about clinical information. It is also about recognising the emotional experiences that come with diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Being aware of and understanding these journeys helps foster empathy, reduces isolation, and highlights the importance of emotional support alongside medical care. Sharing personal stories makes awareness more relatable and less daunting. It reminds us that behind every statistic is a human experience.
