Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Women
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October 13
Holiday emoji:: 🎗️

Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 is a crucial time to elevate understanding and support for metastatic breast cancer. This day sheds light on the realities of stage four cancer, where it has spread beyond the breast. Discover ways to get involved, advocate for research, and stand with those fighting for scientific advances.

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History
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FAQs
Importance
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Expected Breast Cancer Awareness Day Deals

As a Cause holiday, Breast Cancer Awareness Day focuses on vital fundraising and advocacy efforts rather than commercial deals. Many organizations and brands partner to support the metastatic breast cancer community. Look for opportunities to donate to the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN), participate in fundraising walks hosted by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), or contribute to research initiatives through the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance (MBCA). Retailers like Estée Lauder often run campaigns with a portion of proceeds benefiting breast cancer research. Additionally, brands such as Ford and Komen frequently collaborate on awareness and funding drives. We encourage visiting the official websites of these organizations to find direct ways to contribute and support those affected.

Platform Guide for Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MBCAwareness and #BreastCancerAwarenessDay. Share stories, infographics, or personal messages to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #MBCAwareness. Share facts, research updates, and calls to action from leading organizations to amplify the message.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MBCAwarenessDay. Join community discussions, share personal experiences, and promote local support groups for those affected.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day Hero

Dr. Susan Love

Dr. Susan Love (1948-2023) was a renowned breast cancer surgeon, researcher, and author. She was a fierce advocate for patient-centered care and founded the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, focusing on prevention and understanding the root causes of the disease. Her work significantly impacted how breast cancer is understood and treated, particularly through her emphasis on patient education and advocacy.

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.