National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Oct 1 - 31

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, but when detected early, localized breast cancer has a 99% survival rate. Screenings are vital for saving lives, and the VA offers mammograms to all Veterans, with 45 facilities providing on-site digital mammography, making the VA a leader in screenings.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign held every October, organized by major breast cancer charities to raise awareness of the disease and fund research into its causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The campaign also provides valuable information and support for those affected by breast cancer.

While male breast cancer is rare, it often goes unnoticed. In 2009, male breast cancer advocacy groups—Out of the Shadow of Pink, A Man's Pink, and the Brandon Greening Foundation for Breast Cancer in Men—came together to establish the third week of October as Men's Breast Cancer Awareness Week. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated October 17 - October 23 to highlight the cause.