Breast Cancer Awareness Day

History of Breast Cancer Awareness Day

In 2009 the House and Senate unanimously passed a resolution to recognize one day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October, as specifically devoted to metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The best part is how the proposal reached the floors of Congress to begin with. A group of nine MBC patients and their families had traveled to Washington DC and picketed and demonstrated, and these brave souls were able to catch the attention (with the help of phone-wielding friends back home) of the right people to initiate a vote.

But this is no time to fall into complacency. The pinpointing of one day merely means that, now that the word is out, the onus is upon the public to take action. As stated by the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, “[n]ow it is up to every metastatic breast cancer patient and those who love and support them to find ways to make use of this day…to further our cause to support those living with the disease and demand research to find treatments to extend our lives.”

So learn the facts and stand strong with your fam, on National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day timeline

1927

“Let’s get this on the books”

A West Virginia senator introduces a bill to reward the person who finds a cure for cancer and to create a commission to research possible cures.

1993

Hopeful new legislation

The National Institute of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993 pushes the National Cancer Institute to do more to address breast cancer and other “women's cancers,” resulting in controlled studies being done on MBC risks and treatments.

2017

Cases on the rise

A study from the National Cancer Institute shows that metastatic breast cancer cases are increasing in number, with 150,000 new cases of MBC in the U.S.

2018

Overwhelming numbers

An estimated two million women find out they have breast cancer. It's now the most common cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day FAQs

When is Breast Cancer Awareness Day?

Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 13, serving as a dedicated moment within Breast Cancer Awareness Month to focus on metastatic breast cancer.

How many people are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer?

Approximately 150,000 to 250,000 Americans are currently living with metastatic breast cancer, with about 20-30% of early-stage breast cancers eventually progressing to metastatic disease.

What is the significance of October 13 for breast cancer awareness?

October 13 is specifically designated as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a crucial part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It aims to draw attention to the unique challenges and urgent research needs for stage four breast cancer.

What is the difference between early-stage and metastatic breast cancer?

Early-stage breast cancer is confined to the breast or nearby lymph nodes and is often curable. Metastatic breast cancer (stage IV) means the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as bones, lungs, liver, or brain, and is currently incurable.

HOW TO OBSERVE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY

Learn something new

In being a part of the solution, start with yourself. Commit to learning something new — whether by doing online research, volunteering with a local organization, or attending a Metastatic Breast Cancer Day event.

Contribute to the cure

If you’re about to choose a major in college, consider medicine with a focus on oncology, or another supporting professional role. If not, make a one-time or yearly donation to a cancer-fighting organization. Do anything you can to help overcome this disease.

Spread the love

If someone you know is battling breast cancer, reach out to them. Let them know that you want to understand what they're going through and to give your support.

FIVE TIPS FOR BREAST SELF-EXAMS

Check by feel

Starting with the outside of your breast and moving to the inside (sternum), use dime-sized circular motions of varying pressure to check for lumps over the entire breast. Repeat for the other breast.

Do a visual check

In front of a mirror, do a visual exam from all possible angles, checking for any abnormal coloration, swelling, etc.

Make it a routine

It’s recommended to do your self-exam once a month after your period. If your period has ended due to menopause or is irregular, designate a specific day out of the month for your exam.

Don’t panic

Remember, 80% of all breast lumps turn out to be non-cancerous. If you discover one, do call your doctor, but don’t let anxiety take hold.

Men, too

The Maurer Foundation, a respected organization fighting breast cancer in all its forms, recommends that not only women but also men should do a monthly self-exam.

WHY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY IS IMPORTANT

It’s often misunderstood

Metastatic breast cancer is the only deadly form of the disease, yet a majority of studies, sources of funding, and calls for attention are dedicated to detecting and treating early-stage cases.

It drives new research

As more people understand metastatic breast cancer, more people will be donating, researching, and fighting for a cure. Right now, metastatic breast cancer is not classified as a chronic disease, but researchers believe it one day could be, and that gap is just one example of how much more needs to be found out.

It builds support networks

Most people know someone who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The more that friends and family of sufferers understand the disease, the better support they can give the patient in the fight against MBC.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day dates