Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Symptoms, screening, and ways to help

A pink ribbon representing Breast Cancer awareness month
| 13 min read Uncategorized

Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings people together to learn about breast cancer, encourage early detection, and support those affected by the disease.

Breast cancer can affect many parts of someone’s life, from their health to their everyday routines and finances. Whether it’s offering a ride to treatment, helping with household expenses, or donating to a fundraiser, there are many ways to show someone they’re not alone.

In this guide, we’ll cover important breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening information, along with practical ways you can support someone facing a diagnosis.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October. The observance began in 1985 as a week-long initiative led by the American Cancer Society in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries. Its goal was to help more people learn about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

The pink ribbon became a widely recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness in 1992, when Evelyn Lauder and Alexandra Penney, then editor-in-chief of SELF magazine, launched a nationwide initiative. Around 1.5 million pink ribbons were distributed at Estée Lauder cosmetics counters across the United States.

Today, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to share trusted information, support research, and help people affected by the disease.

For some, it’s a time to celebrate milestones or remember loved ones. For others, it’s about raising awareness of ongoing treatment and the challenges of living with breast cancer.

There’s no single right way to participate. Listening to people affected by breast cancer and asking what support they need can be a meaningful place to start.

6 ways to support someone during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It’s an opportunity to offer practical help to people facing breast cancer and their loved ones. The Breasties, an organization supporting people affected by breast and gynecologic cancers, states that “during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we believe awareness must lead to meaningful action”.

Here are six ways to show support during October and throughout the year.

1. Offer help with everyday needs

Breast cancer treatment can affect someone’s daily routine for weeks, months, or longer.

You can offer to:

  • Bring over a meal
  • Give someone a ride to an appointment
  • Help with childcare
  • Pick up groceries or prescriptions
  • Take care of household tasks

Start by asking what would be most helpful rather than assuming what someone needs. Even small acts of care can help ease everyday responsibilities.

2. Donate to a breast cancer fundraiser

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring unexpected expenses alongside medical treatment.

Someone may need help with medical bills, travel to appointments, childcare, or household expenses while they’re unable to work.

Donating to a breast cancer fundraiser can help someone manage these costs. If you’re not able to donate, sharing a fundraiser with friends and family is another way to offer support.

Every contribution, large or small, can help someone work toward their fundraising goal.

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3. Start a fundraiser for someone you love

If someone in your life is facing breast cancer, bringing friends, family, and your community together can help them feel supported.

Starting a GoFundMe gives people one place to contribute, share messages of encouragement, and follow updates.

Before starting a fundraiser for someone else, talk with them about what they’re comfortable sharing. Respecting their privacy and wishes is an important part of offering support.

4. Share trusted breast cancer information

Helping others learn about breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening can encourage informed conversations about health.

Consider sharing resources from trusted organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society.

You can also use Breast Cancer Awareness Month as an opportunity to learn more about the disease yourself.

5. Help someone access breast cancer screening

If someone you care about is due for a mammogram, consider offering to help them find a screening center, schedule an appointment, or get to their visit.

If you’re due for a mammogram yourself, you can talk with your healthcare provider about scheduling one.

A thoughtful offer of help can make it easier for someone to take the next step.

6. Support breast cancer research and advocacy

Many organizations fund breast cancer research, provide educational resources, and help people living with the disease.

You can get involved by donating, volunteering, or sharing their work with others.

You might also choose to support organizations focused on improving access to screening, treatment, and ongoing care. 

About breast cancer: what is it?

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells can form a tumor that may be seen on a mammogram or felt as a lump.

Breast cancer can develop in one or both breasts. It mainly affects women, but men can develop breast cancer, too.

According to the American Cancer Society, most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, which carry milk to the nipple.

If breast cancer isn’t treated, it can grow into nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer accounts for about 1 in 3 new cancers in women in the United States each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026.

Understanding breast cancer symptoms and screening recommendations can help people recognize changes and make informed decisions about their health.

Breast cancer symptoms and signs to know

Breast cancer symptoms can look different from person to person. Some people notice changes in their breasts, while others have no symptoms at all.

According to the CDC, possible signs of breast cancer include:

  • A new lump in the breast or underarm
  • Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
  • Dimpling or irritation of the breast skin
  • Redness or flaky skin around the nipple or breast
  • A nipple that pulls inward or becomes painful
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Pain in any part of the breast

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer. Other health conditions can cause similar changes, and most breast lumps aren’t cancer.

Breast pain can sometimes be a symptom, although it’s more often caused by other conditions. It’s not possible to determine whether a change is cancer based on pain or how a lump feels.

If you notice something new or unusual, contact a healthcare provider promptly. They can help determine what may be causing it and whether further testing is needed.

Breast cancer risk factors

There isn’t one known cause of breast cancer. Some people have a higher risk because of their age, family history, or other factors.

According to the CDC, the main risk factors are being a woman and getting older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women ages 50 and older.

Risk factors outside your control

Some breast cancer risk factors include:

  • Age: Risk increases as you get older.
  • Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer may increase your risk.
  • Inherited gene changes: Changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase breast cancer risk.
  • Personal health history: Having had breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast conditions can raise your risk.
  • Dense breasts: Dense breast tissue can increase risk and make tumors harder to see on a mammogram.
  • Reproductive history: Starting menstruation at a younger age or reaching menopause later may increase risk.
  • Past radiation treatment: Radiation therapy to the chest or breast area at a young age can increase risk.

Other factors that may affect breast cancer risk

Certain lifestyle and health factors may also influence breast cancer risk, including physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, body weight after menopause, and the use of certain hormone therapies.

Having a risk factor doesn’t mean someone will develop breast cancer. Some people develop the disease without other known risk factors.

Men can also develop breast cancer, although it’s much less common. Anyone who notices a new breast lump, nipple discharge, or unusual skin change should contact a healthcare provider.

If you have questions about your risk, a healthcare provider or genetic counselor can help you understand your options.

Breast cancer screening and early detection

Breast cancer screening checks for cancer before symptoms appear.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and one of the main ways healthcare providers find breast cancer early, sometimes before a lump can be felt.

Finding breast cancer earlier can give people more treatment options.

When should you get a mammogram?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years for women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer.

People with a strong family history, inherited gene changes, previous breast cancer, or certain past radiation treatments may need a different screening schedule.

For women ages 75 and older, the Task Force says there isn’t enough evidence to determine the benefits and risks of routine screening.

Mammograms also have limitations. They can sometimes miss cancer or identify changes that turn out not to be cancer.

Your healthcare provider can help you decide when to start screening and how often to get a mammogram based on your individual circumstances.

Why early detection matters

Breast cancer is often easier to treat when it’s found before it spreads.

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer found at a localized stage is more than 99%.

This is a population-based estimate, not a prediction of what will happen to any one person. Outcomes depend on the type of cancer, treatment, overall health, and other factors.

Where to find free or low-cost mammograms

Cost can be a concern, especially for people without health insurance.

According to the CDC, most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every one to two years, starting at age 40, without out-of-pocket costs.

People who are uninsured or have limited income may also qualify for free or low-cost screening through the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

Ask your healthcare provider or local health department about options in your area.

Understanding breast cancer types and treatment

There are several types of breast cancer, and each can grow and respond to treatment differently.

According to the American Cancer Society, common types include:

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A noninvasive form of breast cancer found inside the milk ducts.
  • Invasive ductal carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the milk ducts and spreads into nearby breast tissue.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the milk-producing lobules and spreads into nearby breast tissue.

Doctors may also classify breast cancer based on hormone receptors and proteins found in cancer cells, such as HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer.

Breast cancer stages

Breast cancer stages describe how far the cancer has spread.

Stage 0 refers to noninvasive disease, while stages 1 through 3 generally describe invasive cancer that varies in size and how far it has spread within the breast or nearby tissue.

Stage 4, also called metastatic breast cancer, means cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

A healthcare team uses the stage, cancer type, and other test results to help guide treatment decisions.

How is breast cancer treated?

Breast cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, a person’s overall health, and their treatment goals.

According to the American Cancer Society, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

Some people receive more than one type of treatment. Others may also choose breast reconstruction surgery.

For people living with metastatic breast cancer, treatment often focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life.

Treatment can involve ongoing appointments, travel, time away from work, and additional expenses. Support from loved ones and the wider community can help make everyday life more manageable.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the American Cancer Society offers information and support through its 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345.

How to help: find breast cancer fundraisers and organizations to support

A breast cancer diagnosis can affect more than someone’s health. Treatment and recovery may bring changes to everyday routines, work, and household finances.

When friends, family, and communities come together, they can help ease some of these challenges.

Explore breast cancer fundraisers on GoFundMe to find individuals and families you can support. You can make a donation, share a fundraiser, or start one for someone you care about.

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Organizations supporting people affected by breast cancer

There are many organizations working to support people affected by breast cancer through education, research, early detection, and support services.

Here are four organizations you can support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

  • National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc: The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) helps women affected by breast cancer by providing help and inspiring hope through early detection, education and support services.
  • Breastcancer.org: Breastcancer.org’s mission is to help people make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.
  • The Breasties: The Breasties is an all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, stage 4 thrivers, and caregivers impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers. Their mission is to support and improve the experiences of the cancer community through peer-to-peer connection, resources, and advocacy.
  • American Breast Cancer Foundation: The American Breast Cancer Foundation works to provide education, access, and financial assistance to aid the early detection, treatment, and survival of Breast Cancer for underserved and underinsured individuals regardless of age, race, or gender.

Supporting these organizations is one way to help during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can also support individuals and families facing breast cancer by donating to or sharing a fundraiser on GoFundMe.

Help with breast cancer expenses

If you or someone you love needs financial support during breast cancer treatment, these GoFundMe guides may help:

A fundraiser can make it easier for friends, family, and others to contribute, follow updates, and show their support.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, consider reaching out to someone affected by breast cancer. You could offer practical help, share trusted information, donate to a fundraiser, or simply listen.

Understanding breast cancer matters. So does being there for one another.

Sources and further reading

For reliable information about breast cancer symptoms, screening, risk factors, and treatment, visit:

This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about breast cancer symptoms, risk, or screening, talk with a qualified healthcare provider.

Written by Giulia