October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! To help shape your social media content calendar, we’ve put together FREE resources like key messages and graphics that you can use to spread awareness & inspire action.
In addition to the information provided in this toolkit, explore our Breast Cancer Awareness Month content hub for more sharing ideas and other ways to get involved this October.
Connect with NBCF’s Social Media Manager, Holly Nguyen Berger, to learn about ways to get involved with NBCF or explore potential collab opportunities!
Jump to:
Fast Facts Cheat Sheet
Hashtag Strategy
Key Messaging Points
Ready-to-use Graphics
Platform-specific Captions
Cause Connection Sentiments
Most Popular Content
Anti-pinkwashing Guide
Key Dates for Posting
How to Tell if Your Posts are Successful
What to Do with Negative Comments
Pink Ribbon Brand Guidelines
About NBCF
Fast Facts Cheat Sheet
Most people are aware of breast cancer. But many don’t know how to turn that awareness into actionable steps to support their breast health.
During October, it’s important to provide education for your followers and share different ways they can prioritize their breast health today.
Breast cancer fast facts:
- 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- This year, an estimated 382,640 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
- An estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the United States.
- When diagnosed in an early, localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is over 99%.
- There are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
More facts and statistics about breast cancer can be found here. Please use reputable sources when sharing information. Misinformation harms.
Hashtag Strategy
Nowadays, keywords are just as important as hashtags. Below is a list of popular hashtags and keywords to include in your post caption. Be sure to include a mix of both in your post, and include only the ones relevant to your post’s content. Note: Including too many hashtags or keywords can hurt your post’s performance.
Examples:
- #breastcancersurvivor or breast cancer survivor
- #breastcancerwarrior or breast cancer warrior
- #breastcancerjourney or breast cancer journey
- #previvor
- #stage0cancer or Stage 0 breast cancer
- #stage1cancer or Stage 1 breast cancer
- #stage2cancer or Stage 2 breast cancer
- #stage3cancer or Stage 3 breast cancer
- #stage4cancer or Stage 4 breast cancer
- #metastaticbreastcancer or metastatic breast cancer thriver
- #cancersurvivor or cancer survivor
- #breastcancersurvivor or breast cancer survivor
- Encouragement for breast cancer patients
- Important information about breast cancer
- How to support breast cancer patients
- How to perform a breast self-exam
- How to schedule a mammogram
- Breast cancer advocate
Note: Using popular and generic hashtags like “#breastcancer” and “#breastcancerawareness” might actually hurt your post performance rather than help it. Try to use specific hashtags and keywords to help users find your relevant content faster.
Key Messaging Points
These are the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month messages for 2026 from National Breast Cancer Foundation. We encourage you to use and share these messages to help raise awareness and promote early detection.
- “Early detection saves lives.”
- “Everyone deserves access to breast cancer screening, regardless of income or location.”
- “No one should have to choose between a mammogram and groceries.”
- “October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Help raise awareness by scheduling your mammogram today.”
- “Awareness is important—but it’s our actions that save lives.”
- “Breast cancer doesn’t wait. But neither do the people who help.”
- “1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.”
- “Mammograms save lives.”
- “Early-stage breast cancer—when it hasn’t spread beyond the breast—has a 5-year relative survival rate of over 99%, highlighting the importance of early detection.”
- “Finances shouldn’t determine breast cancer survival rates.”
- “There are over 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.”
- “When every moment matters, your action matters most.”
- “No one should face breast cancer alone.”
- “For someone facing breast cancer today, the help they need can’t wait.”
Ready-to-use Graphics
National Breast Cancer Foundation has free social media graphics for you to use throughout your BCAM campaign. Feel free to download and use these graphics throughout the month, but please do not alter them.
Platform-specific Captions
Each social platform has a different style. Feel free to follow these caption guidelines, but remember that you know your audience best!
Lifestyle posts with more generic messaging for wide reach
“This year marks __ years of breast cancer survivorship for me. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I urge all my friends to schedule their yearly mammogram, stay on top of their monthly breast self-exams, and reach out to me if they have any questions. Early detection is key! You can also learn more at nbcf.org.”
“Breast cancer awareness is important to me because ____. October is a great reminder to stay on top of your monthly breast self-exams, schedule your yearly mammogram, and stay educated on your breast health. Visit nbcf.org to learn more!”
“Join me in making a donation to support those facing breast cancer. Donate here: nbcf.org/donate.”
Lifestyle posts with hyper-personalized approach
“I can’t believe it’s been __ years since I heard the words, ‘You have breast cancer,’ and __ years since I rang the bell, marking the end of active treatment for me. This month, I’m celebrating myself and everyone else in the community who has been impacted by breast cancer. Early detection is so important, and it saved my life. If you have any questions about early detection, scheduling a mammogram, etc., please reach out to me or check out @nbcf for their free educational resources.”
“When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, my whole world changed. I saw my family, my friends, and my community come together to support the woman who taught me everything I know in life, and I’m forever grateful. One year later, I’m celebrating my mom completing treatment and becoming a breast cancer survivor! This October, I encourage you to do your monthly breast self-exams, schedule your yearly mammograms, and make sure you’re equipped with lifesaving breast health info from @nbcf. Early detection is so important. It saved my mom’s life.”
“It has been __ years since my aunt passed away from breast cancer. I miss her every day. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m honoring her beautiful life by donating to @nbcf, and I hope you will join me! Every dollar raised will directly support women and families impacted by breast cancer.”
Professional posts that tie in your personal connection to breast cancer or your company’s efforts to support the breast cancer community
“As a breast cancer survivor, working with a company that supports the breast cancer community means everything to me. I’m so proud of my employer, COMPANY NAME, for donating $5,000 to @National Breast Cancer Foundation to support women and families facing breast cancer! This money will support free screenings for those who need it, navigation for those who aren’t sure what their next steps are after their diagnosis, and more.”
“I’m so proud to announce that my employer, COMPANY NAME, will donate $10,000 to @National Breast Cancer Foundation this Breast Cancer Awareness Month! NBCF supports women and families impacted by breast cancer through its programs and services. My grandma was a breast cancer survivor, and this means so much to me. I’m so honored to work for a company committed to supporting the community.”
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here. Together, we can support the 1 in 8 women who will face breast cancer. If this is important to you, please consider making a donation to @National Breast Cancer Foundation or checking with your company to see if they will match your donation. Visit nbcf.org/donate to learn more.”
Short and concise messages that contain facts and quick call-to-action items
“1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. This month, I’m making a donation to @nbcf to support those impacted by a diagnosis.”
“My sister is/was/became one of the 1 of 8 women in the U.S. diagnosed with breast cancer. This month, join me in making a donation to @nbcf to support those impacted by breast cancer: nbcf.org/donate.”
“As a breast cancer survivor, I highly encourage you to schedule your yearly mammograms or make a donation so that those in need can get life-saving screenings. Please consider making a donation to @nbcf to support them at nbcf.org/donate.”
Edu-tainment videos that use current trends to reach a wider audience or sit-down videos that share your story as a breast cancer patient, survivor, or thriver. Keep your captions short and sweet, with a clear call-to-action.
Educational content options:
- “Sharing this info could save a life. Learn more at @nbcf.org.”
- “1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Share this info for all 8 women. Visit @nbcf.org to learn more.”
Lifestyle/testimonial content options:
- “I’ve been a breast cancer survivor for __ years. This is what I learned. 💗 Learn how you can make a difference at @nbcf.org.”
- “I was diagnosed with breast cancer on DATE. Never forget how important early detection is. Learn more at @nbcf.org.”
- “I’m so grateful for all the love and support I received throughout my breast cancer journey. Visit @nbcf.org to learn how you can get involved and give back.”
Corporate options:
- “We’re proud to support the breast cancer community through @nbcf.org programs and services.”
- “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re reminding our followers that early detection matters. Visit @nbcf.org to learn more.”
- “We just donated $1,000 to @nbcf.org to support free mammograms for women in need. Join us in supporting the breast cancer community this October!”
Cause Connection Sentiments
Many of us have connections to breast cancer that can be powerful awareness tools. If you have a personal connection to breast cancer—either yourself or through a loved one—posting about that experience can add heart and authenticity to your content. If you or they are comfortable sharing, the following examples may be helpful in shaping your cause connection BCAM posts.
For someone who has been directly impacted by breast cancer (patient, survivor, thriver)
You know your story best. Encourage your community to do something that’s meaningful to you, like:
- Reminding your loved ones how to perform a breast self-exam
- Sharing about NBCF’s free programs and services, like our National Mammography Program
- Making a donation to the area of greatest need
- Getting involved with NBCF through volunteering or fundraising
Someone who has a loved one impacted by breast cancer (caregiver, community advocate, general supporter)
Think about your loved one and what was most helpful to them during their diagnosis. Tying in their story with an action item can make an impact on your followers and can look like:
- “My mother received a HOPE Kit and it meant everything to her. This month, join me in donating to NBCF’s HOPE Kit Program so that even more patients undergoing treatment can receive some love and light on the tough days through this gift.”
- “When my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, there were so many words that we had never heard of before. I’m so glad NBCF has a Breast Cancer Glossary that clearly defines medical terms that have been hard to understand, and I hope that my friends find it useful!”
A company looking to support the breast cancer community
If you are partnered with a breast cancer organization, be sure to share the reason why you started the partnership in the first place and highlight the ways you’ve supported the organization.
- “My company has partnered with NBCF since 2010, when one of our employees was diagnosed with breast cancer. Every year, we make a point to leave the office and volunteer together by packing HOPE Kits to give back to those facing a diagnosis and to honor my coworker.”
- “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re doing more than turning our products pink. We’re giving back by donating [insert partnership details].”
Don’t forget to add one of the graphics from our Breast Cancer Awareness Month Graphics Library to your social posts to help with post engagement and traction! And/or share our key messaging points.
Most Popular Content
One way to raise awareness is to share popular, high-quality content with your audience. Here are our top 12 FREE educational resources you could share this month:
- 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
- The 10 Screenings Women Should Know
- Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms: Most Asked Questions
- How to Prepare for a Mammogram Checklist
- How to Talk About Breast Health eBook
- Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer…Now What? eBook
- Glossary of Common Breast Cancer Terms
- Life After Breast Cancer: A Survivor’s Guide
- Emotional Support Workbook
- 5 Ingredient Healthy Meals Cookbook
- What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook
- The Tyrer-Cuzick Model: Understanding the Assessment and Your Breast Cancer Risk
Anti-pinkwashing Guide
Pinkwashing comes in many forms, but often refers to the use of the pink ribbon or breast cancer messaging to promote a company, product, or campaign without providing meaningful support to people affected by breast cancer or organizations that work to support those facing the disease.
To avoid pinkwashing—and to maximize your company’s impact for breast cancer awareness—transparency is key. When planning your BCAM campaign, keep these points in mind to create a transparent campaign that serves your company, your consumers, and, ultimately, those affected by breast cancer:
- Choose a charity partner that aligns with your company’s values and that consumers already trust
- Be specific about your donation commitments—how much you are donating to the cause, what portion of proceeds will be donated, minimum or maximum donation cap, etc.
- Clearly explain who the beneficiary of the funds raised is and what they will do with the funds
- Include your employees and customers in meaningful action
- Publicly report back on the results and impact of your partnership
Key Dates for Posting
Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins (10/1)
Today is the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This is a great opportunity to introduce BCAM, highlight the need for awareness and action, and mobilize your audience to support the cause.
You can also include one of our free graphics in your post to expand your reach and increase engagement.
- Sample post: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Donating to/Supporting an organization like @nbcf, which directly helps those in need, is one of the most effective ways to turn awareness into action this month. Visit nbcf.org/donate to make a real difference today.
World Mental Health Day (10/10)
While World Mental Health Day is not directly a part of breast cancer awareness, it’s important to recognize that the breast cancer community needs mental health support while:
- Undergoing treatment
- Adjusting to survivorship
- Navigating a Stage 4 diagnosis
- Becoming a caregiver to a breast cancer patient
- Sample post: Today is World Mental Health Day. Breast cancer patients and survivors often face unique challenges and circumstances that require support and understanding. See free mental health resources or share this link with a loved one: nbcf.org/mental-health.
See NBCF’s collection of free mental health resources to share on World Mental Health Day.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (10/13)
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is Stage 4 breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast into other areas of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. There is no cure, and it will be a part of a patient’s life for the rest of their life.
MBC thrivers and their loved ones often need additional, specific support to navigate their diagnosis and journey ahead.
- Sample post: Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. On this day, we honor metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients, often referred to as thrivers. MBC is Stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. It will be a part of a thriver’s life for the rest of their life. Thrivers and their loved ones often need extra support for their journey. Today, you can help by sharing information and resources about metastatic breast cancer.
NBCF resources to share for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day:
- What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Recurrence eBook
- MBC educational webpage
- Self-guided Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats
National Mammography Day (10/17)
Observed on the third Friday of October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Mammography Day serves as a reminder for women to prioritize their breast health through early detection.
When breast cancer is diagnosed in an early, localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 99%. Mammograms are the key to early detection.
- Sample post: Today is National Mammography Day, a day set aside to promote the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection. When detected in an early, localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is over 99%! This kind of early detection is possible through regular screenings, like mammograms.
NBCF resources to share for National Mammography Day:
- National Mammography Program
- Mammogram 101 eBook
- How to Schedule a Mammogram
- Take the Mammogram Pledge
Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (10/17-23)
Men can get breast cancer, too. While breast cancer in men is rare, it is often diagnosed at a later stage, making it harder to treat.
Awareness of male breast cancer is important so that more men report abnormalities or symptoms to their doctor early, instead of brushing them off.
- Sample post: It’s Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Although rare, men can get breast cancer, too. In fact, an estimated 2,670 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 530 will die. Breast cancer in men is often diagnosed at later stages when it is harder to treat. That’s why it’s important to share the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer with the men in your life.
See NBCF’s free Male Breast Cancer eBook to share for Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
BCAM finale (10/31 or 11/1)
Breast cancer awareness doesn’t end in October. Women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer every day of the year, regardless of the month. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness and provide tangible support to patients and financial support to NBCF all year long.
You can also include one of our free graphics in your post to expand your reach and increase engagement.
- Sample post: Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be over, but our support for those facing breast cancer doesn’t end here. Breast cancer doesn’t wait for a month, or for finances to be in order, or for the timing to be perfect. So we won’t wait either. Follow @nbcf year-round for ways to stay involved, and donate to support those facing breast cancer.
How to Tell if Your Posts are Successful
Measuring the success of your BCAM posts is a great way to gauge the impact your campaign had throughout the month. The following parameters can be used to evaluate performance and understand audience engagement.
If you are receiving comments from people who can relate to your messaging or appreciate your fundraising efforts
- Not receiving any comments? Run a quick analysis of your posts to see what has and hasn’t been performing well. You can try adding a clear action item to your posts, like a fundraiser or donation link. Or, consider adding an interactive element to your posts to increase engagement, such as:
- A poll
- An engagement call to action (“Comment 💗 to show your support for the breast cancer community!”)
- A trending audio
If you’re proud of your content. You are doing amazing work by sharing vital information with your community, and we’re so grateful!
- Remember your purpose for posting. Instead of aiming for a specific number of engagements, shift your goals to supporting a specific number of followers. 100 likes on a post may seem satisfying, but connecting just 1 woman to critical breast health information can be life-changing.
What to Do with Negative Comments
With a wide audience on social media, it’s normal to receive a few negative comments here or there from people who don’t agree with your content. Take a deep breath and remember the intention behind your BCAM posts: to support the breast cancer community and remind others to prioritize their breast health.
Common comments you may receive may include:
- “What about ___ cancer instead?”
- You can remind the commenter that October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness and that many other cancers have a dedicated month and awareness ribbon, too. Read The Color and Meaning of Cancer Ribbons for more information.
- “I hate pink!”
- “We hear you. Pink isn’t for everyone, and we understand that. During BCAM, we’re simply using it as a symbol to spark meaningful conversation and bring attention to a disease that impacts so many. What matters most to us isn’t the color itself, but the awareness, early detection, and support it helps inspire for those facing breast cancer.”
- “You just turned your products pink, but you aren’t actually doing anything to help.”
- This is a great opportunity to share the efforts you’re making this month to support the community, like taking a screenshot of your fundraiser page, donation confirmation, or sharing more about your partnership with NBCF.
- “What about men?”
- “While rare, accounting for fewer than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses, it is true that men can also get breast cancer. In fact, male breast cancer carries a higher mortality rate than women because it is often diagnosed as later stages, when it is more difficult to treat. We believe that breast cancer awareness for men is important as well. For more information on male breast cancer, download NBCF’s free male breast cancer eBook.”
Pink Ribbon Brand Guidelines
Since the early 1990s, the pink ribbon has been the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness. What began as a small awareness campaign for breast cancer research funding turned into an international symbol of hope and strength for those facing breast cancer.
Today, there are several shades of pink ribbons that support awareness for different kinds of breast cancer:
- Breast Cancer Awareness (general): Solid pink ribbon
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink, teal, and green tri-colored ribbon
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness: Hot pink ribbon
- Male Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink and blue ribbon
- Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Pink and teal ribbon
Many breast cancer charity organizations also have their own distinct version of the pink ribbon. Examples of different organizations’ ribbons are below.
If you would like to use NBCF’s pink ribbon in your marketing or campaign during October, contact [email protected] for details.
About NBCF
National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) was founded in 1991 with a mission to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services. Because of early detection efforts, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer when caught early is now over 99%—proof that access to care saves lives.
Thanks to your support, NBCF has served more than 2.5 million people in need, delivering life-saving screenings, patient navigation, and over 150,000 HOPE Kits® to women in treatment. With your continued support, we can ensure even more women receive the help, hope, and life-saving care they deserve.
Overview of NBCF Programs
National Breast Cancer Foundation programs meet every person right where they are, providing the help they need at the moment they need it. NBCF programs include:
- National Mammography Program: Provides free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for those in need through our partner facilities nationwide.
- Patient Navigation Program: Connects patients to professional navigators who help them overcome barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation in the complex cancer system.
- HOPE Kits: Free care packages sent to patients in treatment to help soothe side effects and offer encouragement.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats: Virtual and in-person weekend retreats for Stage 4 patients and their caregivers to prepare for the journey ahead.
- Patient Relief Program: Provides financial support for unexpected, non-medical treatment-related costs, such as transportation to appointments, utilities, and groceries.
- Military Patient Relief Program: Financial support for active-duty service members and veterans in treatment for breast cancer.
- Support Groups: Offers a safe place for breast cancer patients and survivors to both give and receive the emotional support they need.