Every October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a global campaign to increase awareness, promote early detection, and raise funds for research and treatment programmes worldwide.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual international health campaign taking place throughout October. It aims to increase awareness of breast cancer, promote early detection through screening and self-examination, support those affected by the disease, and raise funds for research and treatment.

The campaign was established in 1985 and is now one of the most widely recognised health observance months in the world. In the UK, it is marked by hospitals, GP surgeries, workplaces, community groups and millions of individuals wearing the pink ribbon and raising funds for breast cancer causes.

The pink ribbon — which became the international symbol of breast cancer awareness in the early 1990s — represents hope, care and the collective commitment to end suffering from this disease.

How to take part

  • Wear a pink ribbon to show your support and start conversations
  • Share breast cancer awareness information with friends and family
  • Encourage the women in your life to attend NHS screening
  • Donate to fund free screening in communities without access
  • Host a workplace or community fundraising event
  • Share this page on social media to spread awareness

Donate this October

£25 funds a complete breast cancer screening for a woman in a low-income community. This October, make one donation that genuinely saves a life.

Donate Now

Breast cancer in the UK — the facts

56,000
UK diagnoses every year
85%
Five-year UK survival rate
1 in 7
Women will get breast cancer in their lifetime
11,500
UK deaths annually

This October

Go beyond awareness

Awareness in the UK is important. But millions of women in the developing world need more than awareness — they need screening, education and treatment. Fund it this October.

Donate This October