Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign focused on breast cancer awareness, screening, and early detection.

The observance began in 1985 as a weeklong campaign co-led by the American Cancer Society to educate women about breast cancer screening and routine mammograms. It later grew into the monthlong national observance recognized today.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 321,910 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, and about 42,140 women will die from the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women other than skin cancers.

About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Individual risk varies based on several factors.

Although breast cancer occurs primarily in women, men can develop the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates about 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, and about 530 will die from it.

Most breast cancers are not hereditary, but harmful changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and certain other cancers.

A person's family history can provide important information about cancer risk. The CDC recommends discussing a family history of breast or ovarian cancer with a health care provider, who can determine whether genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate.