Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026
All of October 2026
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October worldwide, bringing together charities, healthcare providers, workplaces and communities to raise awareness of breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected.
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Dates and event details
All of October 2026. Held all of October every year.
| Where | UK, international, US and Australia |
|---|
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October worldwide, bringing together charities, healthcare providers, workplaces and communities to raise awareness of breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected. The month was established in 1985 through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca (then ICI Pharmaceuticals). The pink ribbon became the international symbol of breast cancer awareness in 1992.
For a UK activity, start with Breast Cancer Now. Campaigns and donation arrangements differ by country, so use the relevant organisation’s own materials and confirm the beneficiary before promoting a fundraiser.
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
| Year | Dates | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1-31 October | Thursday to Saturday |
| 2027 | 1-31 October | Friday to Sunday |
| 2028 | 1-31 October | Sunday to Tuesday |
Breast Cancer Awareness Month always runs throughout the whole of October each year.
Planning a useful awareness activity
Choose whether your activity will raise funds, share trustworthy information or signpost support. Avoid asking people to disclose personal experiences; participation and story-sharing should be voluntary. For medical facts, use the charity’s current facts and statistics rather than copying figures without their date or context.
How to Get Involved in 2026
- Wear It Pink: Register with Breast Cancer Now to get a free fundraising pack and wear pink on a day of your choice in October.
- Bake sales and workplace events: Organise a pink-themed bake sale, cake sale or dress-down day to raise funds for research.
- Share your story: Share official resources using #WearItPink if taking part in that campaign. Share a personal story only with the informed permission of everyone involved.
- Check your breast health: Link readers to NHS breast cancer information for personal health and screening questions. A fundraising activity should not offer individual screening or diagnostic advice.
- Fundraise for research: Donate to Breast Cancer Now or take on a sponsored challenge to support life-saving research.
Breast cancer campaigns in October 2026
Different organisations run their own campaigns during October; check the theme and resources of the charity you are supporting rather than treating one slogan as universal. In the UK, Breast Cancer Now’s October campaign includes information, fundraising and Wear It Pink on Friday 23 October 2026.
Official Resources
- Breast Cancer Now – Wear It Pink – UK campaign hub
- NHS Breast Cancer Information – symptoms, screening, treatment
- Cancer Research UK – Breast Cancer
- National Breast Cancer Foundation – United States resources
Frequently asked questions
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
It always runs throughout October – 1 to 31 October each year.
What is the official colour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Pink. The pink ribbon is the universally recognised symbol, introduced in 1992 by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Who leads Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the UK?
Breast Cancer Now runs the UK campaign, including the Wear It Pink fundraising drive each October.
How can I check my breast health?
For guidance about changes, symptoms or screening, use NHS breast cancer information or Breast Cancer Now, and speak to a qualified healthcare professional about personal concerns. This calendar documents awareness campaigns and does not provide medical advice.
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