National Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Oct 1 - 31

Breast cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death in women, but localized breast cancer has a 99% survival rate if detected early. Screenings save lives and the VA provides mammograms to all Veterans. Forty-five VA facilities have on-site, digital mammography; the VA leads the nation in screenings.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those men and women affected by breast cancer.

Male breast cancer, which is rare, is generally overlooked. In 2009 the 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, joined together to globally establish the third week of October as "Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week.