Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This year alone, over 310,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. It is a complex disease influenced by genetics, age, family history, and lifestyle choices, such as physical activity and alcohol consumption. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, it’s important to understand both the initiative and the disease.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Held annually in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and support organizations dedicated to breast cancer prevention and research. Regular screenings and genetic testing, especially for those with a family history of the disease, are essential for early detection and better outcomes.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month first began as a campaign from the American Cancer Society in 1985. The pink ribbon symbol was introduced in 1992 and helps differentiate the breast cancer awareness cause from other cancer awareness initiatives.

When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October.

When is Breast Cancer Awareness Day?

October 13 is recognized in the United States as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Its purpose is to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer.

There are several other days associated with breast cancer awareness:

• Global Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day: October 15
• Wear It Pink: October 18
• International Day Against Breast Cancer: October 19

What to do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

These are just a few ideas for activities you can try during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October:

• Join a local race, tournament, or fitness challenge that’s raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Breastcancer.org, survivor support groups, or other community programs.
• If a special gift-giving occasion takes place in October, like a wedding or birthday, ask for donations to breast cancer research instead of gifts.
• Start your own fundraiser at work, with family, or on social media. You can even consider hosting an awareness or fundraising event.
• If you can sell handmade items, donate a percentage of proceeds to breast cancer research or support groups.
• Be aware of and understanding about different attitudes toward Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some patients, both past and present, don’t identify with the pink ribbon symbol or with the initiative itself. Make sure you’re representing the initiative responsibly with education from Think Before You Pink.

Why is breast cancer awareness important?

Apart from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. It also affects a smaller group of men. Because this is such a prevalent condition, it’s important for the general public to be aware of what the disease looks like and how it can be identified early to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

How is breast cancer identified and diagnosed?

Genetic testing can identify several genetic mutations. Since BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing became available in the late 90s, testing has since advanced with cancer specific gene panels from various labs that can evaluate dozens of genes. Test results can be negative (no risk), positive (increased risk), or uncertain.

Can breast cancer be prevented?

Screenings are imperative for the prevention and early treatment of cancer. Screening recommendations vary by risk level, with more intensive screenings recommended for high-risk individuals, such as genetic mutation carriers. In some cases, patients may choose a mastectomy or other preventive treatment to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

READ MORE: Whitepaper on breast cancer awareness

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