Breast Cancer Awareness Month: events, important dates, charities

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign which aims to increase awareness of, and support causes relating to, breast cancer. The campaign takes places throughout the month of October having been first introduced as a week-long event in October 1985.

The month is now seen as an opportunity to educate people about cancer prevention and the importance of early detection, and events will also be held to raise money for charitable causes. Around the world, non-profit organisations, government agencies and medical groups work to promote breast cancer awareness every year.

Biden proclaims October 2021 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Previously, Breast Cancer Awareness Month had been an internationally-recognised by largely unofficial event in the United States. However this year President Joe Biden released a proclamation officially designating October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, something he hopes will boost the visibility and influence of the cause.

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In a statement released on 30 September he wrote: “I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups… to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to this disease.”

What events are scheduled for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

There are numerous events, talks and seminars being held across the month of October to celebrate and raise aware of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s a few of the key dates to bear in mind…

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – 13 October

In honour of survivors of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) survivors and those who have passed from the disease, more than 200 landmarks across the world will be illuminated with green, teal and pink lights. You can find a full list of participating landmarks on the METAvivor website, while the #LightUpMBC Live broadcast will feature stories from those with first-hand experience of MBC.

Pink Week Webinar Series – 5-7 October

Offering a virtual webinar series on a whole host of topics, the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara (BCRC) hopes to improve public knowledge about the disease and what to look out for. The free webinars will cover the importance of screening, early detection, reconstructive breast surgery, sexuality, and fertility preservation.

The Pink Agenda’s Virtual Gala – 7 October

As part of the Pink Agenda’s money-raising efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a virtual gala will be held at 8pm on Thursday, 7 October. The evening will be hosted by breast cancer survivor and TV personality Giuliana Rancic's FAB-U-WISH, with tickets for the live event starting at $100.