Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here — a time to learn more about breast cancer, its effects, and the ways we can all support ongoing efforts to fight it. This disease touches millions of lives and remains one of the most significant health issues today.
Breast cancer develops when breast cells grow abnormally and form a tumor. While it can affect anyone including cisgender men, trans men and trans women it is most common in cisgender women. Risk factors include family history, genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, and age, with risk increasing after 40. In the United States and Canada, about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Thanks to better awareness and screening, survival rates have improved dramatically — for example, when detected early and localized, the five-year survival rate is about 99%.
Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have. Screenings like mammograms can catch breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Many health experts recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40, and encouraging friends and loved ones to get screened is one of the simplest ways to save lives.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Its Symbol
Each October, communities come together to shine a light on this disease and the people it affects. Breast Cancer Awareness Month began as a grassroots movement and has grown into a worldwide effort that funds research, provides education, and supports patients. One of the most recognizable symbols of this campaign is the pink ribbon, first distributed at the 1991 New York City Race for the Cure by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Today, it represents hope, unity, and the ongoing fight against breast cancer.
This awareness has driven real progress. Research has advanced our understanding of how breast cancer develops, which has paved the way for new and more personalized treatments. Innovations in targeted therapies, medicines, and surgical techniques now give patients better options and improved quality of life.
How You Can Get Involved
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about education — it’s also about action. Supporting national organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, CancerCare (USA), Breast Cancer Canada, CBCN (Canadian Breast Cancer Network) or The Canadian Cancer Society (CAN) helps fund research and patient programs. Many local groups host events, charity walks, and fundraisers that provide direct support in your own community. Even small actions, like sharing educational posts on social media, can encourage someone to schedule a screening or seek out support.
Supporting Those Affected
For individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, medical treatment is only one part of the journey. Access to skilled healthcare teams is essential, but so is emotional support through counseling and support groups, as well as practical help with navigating insurance and financial challenges. These resources can make an enormous difference, ensuring that patients and families feel supported in every aspect of their experience.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the power of community, compassion, and knowledge. By learning the facts, encouraging early detection, supporting research, and standing with those affected, we all play a role in the fight against this disease. Awareness should not be limited to October — it’s something that empowers us year-round. Together, we can continue raising our voices, driving research forward, and making a difference in the lives of those impacted by breast cancer.
