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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the UK and internationally. The month-long event offers the opportunity to raise awareness about the work done by researchers and doctors worldwide to mitigate its impact, as well as the progress that still needs to be made to develop effective treatments for the disease. Perhaps most importantly, though, it is a time to show support for the more than two million people who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that takes place from the 1st to the 31st of October every year. Not only does it aim to promote screening, which in turn can lead to early diagnosis and effective treatment, but it also educates people about the risk factors of breast cancer and raises money for vital breast cancer research.
On average, around 57,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK. Research indicates that 23% of these cases may be preventable, with factors such as excessive alcohol use and obesity increasing the risk of developing the disease.
Throughout October, businesses, communities, and individuals are invited to get involved in a number of ways. You may choose to raise money for breast cancer charities by organising or participating in events for “Wear it Pink” day (which this year will take place on Friday, the 24th of October), hosting a bake sale, or sharing educational resources through your workplace or online.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month initially began as a week-long event. It was started by the American Cancer Society in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries in 1985.
Since then, the campaign has become longer and evolved to recognise different kinds of breast cancer. For example, while the pink ribbon was initially the symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, other variations of the ribbon have emerged to represent other kinds of breast cancer, including breast cancer in men, inflammatory breast cancer, and metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is recognised on the 13th of October. Metastatic (also known as secondary or advanced) breast cancer occurs when cancer cells have spread from the breast to other parts of the body. On this day, people are encouraged to raise money for research and treatments for the disease.
Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2025
There are various ways you can get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and support the campaign in either spreading awareness or raising funds - or both! These include:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to stop and reflect on the impact of breast cancer and what can be done to improve research and treatments, and of course, to donate. But it is important to remember there are things we can do all year round. You could take part in a skydive, host a coffee morning with friends or work colleagues, make a one-off or monthly donation, or plan an entirely unique fundraising event!
If you have been personally affected by breast cancer, it’s important to know that support is available. Charities like Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Now offer resources and support for cancer patients, as well as their friends, family, and others affected by a diagnosis. Whether you’re looking for more information, someone to talk to, or financial advice, there is someone who can help.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s all do our part to spread the word about the impact of breast cancer, its signs and symptoms, and raise money for much-needed research and support.
