Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Each October, people across the country unite to raise awareness and support for the millions of people affected by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) reminds us that awareness is important—but it’s our actions that save lives.
Breast Cancer by the Numbers
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Awareness is the first step toward taking meaningful action.
1 in 8
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
382,640
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year
1,048
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer today
5
women will be lost to breast cancer this hour
Stats on this page represent the United States only
Breast cancer doesn’t wait.
But neither do the people who help.
Things to Know About BCAM
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or BCAM, takes place every year from October 1 to October 31. BCAM is recognized as a time to increase awareness of breast cancer, emphasize the importance of early detection, and support those affected.
BCAM isn’t just symbolic. It’s an annual, coordinated effort to educate, engage, and take action on behalf of those facing breast cancer—and those who may in the future.
BCAM reminds us that breast cancer doesn’t wait. Right now, someone is getting the news that they have breast cancer and doesn’t know what to do next. Someone is starting treatment and needs support to make it through. Because of BCAM—and people like you—we can deliver help, hope, and support when it’s needed most.
The first BCAM occurred in October 1985 as an awareness campaign led by the American Cancer Society. In 1992, the pink ribbon emerged as the universal symbol for breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. Since then, BCAM has expanded across the nation and world, with a focus on promoting early detection, reducing stigma around breast cancer, and supporting patients and survivors.
Since the first BCAM more than 40 years ago, breast cancer death rates in the U.S. have dropped by 44%. It’s not a coincidence that greater awareness, increases in early detection, and advancements in treatment have coincided with the rise of BCAM. These efforts show that when we raise awareness, we can save lives.
This October, National Breast Cancer Foundation is Helping Women Now® by funding life-saving mammograms, providing critical breast health information and education, and connecting women with the help and hope they need as they face a diagnosis. With your help, we can ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone.
Donate now to provide women with early detection, education, and support.
Find Your Way to Take Action This October
National Breast Cancer Foundation offers meaningful ways to take action during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, whether you are a patient or survivor, a supporter, or an employer.
Offer words of encouragement to people affected by breast cancer.
Help raise awareness locally by representing NBCF in your community.
Connect with others through a supportive space for sharing and healing.
Offer words of hope and comfort to current patients by writing encouragement cards for our HOPE Kits®.
Find a free mammogram near you through our National Mammography Program.
Learn more about breast health and breast cancer with our free educational resources.
Find a patient navigator to guide you through diagnosis and treatment with our Patient Navigation Program.
Learn how our Patient Relief Program can help cover some non-medical costs of treatment.
Whether you’re a patient, survivor, or simply looking for mental health support, these resources are here for you.
Not sure where to start?
Choose one action today, then share it with someone you care about.
Looking for Breast Health Information?
Take charge of your breast health with information you can trust. Learn about screening guidelines, risk factors, signs to watch for, and more.
A practical guide to understanding risk, recognizing changes, and taking action early.
Get accurate answers to common questions about breast cancer signs and symptoms.
Turning Awareness into Action
Every action taken during Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps fund early detection, education, and patient support programs led by National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Represents fiscal year 2025 (July 2024–June 2025)
Where Awareness Still Needs to Grow
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to broaden who awareness reaches, especially to groups that are still underrepresented in education, screening, and support.
Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer will be a part of someone’s life for the rest of their life.
Cost, limited access to care, and lack of education can limit early detection and support in some communities.
Breast cancer is often associated with older age, but younger women can also be affected and may dismiss early warning signs.
Men can get breast cancer, too, yet awareness often overlooks them, contributing to delayed diagnosis.
Expanding awareness during BCAM helps ensure more people recognize symptoms, seek screening, and access support.
BCAM Resources & Downloads
To support awareness efforts during October, National Breast Cancer Foundation provides ready-to-use resources and assets that individuals, businesses, and communities can use to share accurate breast health information.
Printable materials for workplaces, schools, and community spaces.
Ready-made visuals to help share breast cancer awareness messages online.
Ready-to-use social media graphics and captions to raise awareness online.
Trusted, easy-to-share breast health and breast cancer information.
Campaign guides and assets to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month at work.
BCAM Events & Key Dates
Each October, communities across the country come together to raise awareness, fund early detection, and support those affected by breast cancer. Events offer many ways to participate—locally, nationally, or virtually.
Event availability may vary by location and year.
Events in your local community that help raise awareness for friends, neighbors, and others affected by breast cancer.
HOPE Kit packing parties, product drives, fundraising opportunities, Community Ambassador-led events, and more.
Online initiatives including HOPE Kit product drives, virtual workplace presentations, and virtual fundraising.
Every week during BCAM, we partner with brands that give back to our community.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month officially starts.
Honoring those living with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
Spreading the message that mammograms save lives.
Raising awareness that breast cancer affects men, too.
The month concludes, but the mission continues.
BCAM Messages & Quotes for 2026
These are the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month messages for 2026 from National Breast Cancer Foundation. Journalists, businesses, creators, educators, and supporters are encouraged to use and share these messages to help raise awareness and promote early detection.
Updated annually. These messages reflect NBCF’s commitment to turning awareness into education, early detection, and direct support.
How to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Responsibly
Supporting breast cancer awareness responsibly means looking beyond pink branding to understand how funds are used, who benefits, and whether awareness leads to meaningful action. Transparency, accountability, and real impact matter.
Responsible organizations clearly explain how donations are used and openly share their impact.
Awareness matters, but meaningful support includes funding screening, education, and patient support.
Pinkwashing is when an organization uses breast cancer messaging without making a meaningful contribution to patient support.
Every Action Counts
Whether you donate, get screened, share information, or offer encouragement, your participation during Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps save lives. Choose one action today and make it count.