Every October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a global campaign to increase awareness, promote early detection, and raise funds for research and treatment programmes worldwide.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual international health campaign taking place throughout October. It aims to increase awareness of breast cancer, promote early detection through screening and self-examination, support those affected by the disease, and raise funds for research and treatment.
The campaign was established in 1985 and is now one of the most widely recognised health observance months in the world. In the UK, it is marked by hospitals, GP surgeries, workplaces, community groups and millions of individuals wearing the pink ribbon and raising funds for breast cancer causes.
The pink ribbon — which became the international symbol of breast cancer awareness in the early 1990s — represents hope, care and the collective commitment to end suffering from this disease.
How to take part
- ✓ Wear a pink ribbon to show your support and start conversations
- ✓ Share breast cancer awareness information with friends and family
- ✓ Encourage the women in your life to attend NHS screening
- ✓ Donate to fund free screening in communities without access
- ✓ Host a workplace or community fundraising event
- ✓ Share this page on social media to spread awareness
Donate this October
£25 funds a complete breast cancer screening for a woman in a low-income community. This October, make one donation that genuinely saves a life.
Donate NowLast Friday in October
Wear it Pink
Wear it Pink is the UK's best-known breast cancer fundraising day — celebrated every year on the last Friday of October. In 2026, Wear it Pink falls on Friday 30 October. The idea is simple: wear something pink, collect donations from colleagues, friends and family, and show solidarity with everyone affected by breast cancer.
You don't have to limit your support to one day. Throughout October, workplaces, schools, community groups and individuals across the UK hold pink-themed bake sales, dress-down days and sponsored events to raise money and awareness.
If you'd like your Wear it Pink support to reach women who have never had a mammogram, donate to us — and we'll fund free breast cancer screening in communities that need it most.
How to get involved
- • Wear something pink to work, school or your community group
- • Set up a simple sponsorship page and share it with friends and family
- • Host a pink-themed bake sale, quiz night or charity auction
- • Ask your employer to match your fundraising
- • Share #WearItPink on social media to inspire others
- • Donate directly to fund free breast cancer screening
2026 date:
Wear it Pink — Friday 30 October 2026
Breast cancer in the UK — the facts
Get Active This October
Breast Cancer Charity Walks in the UK
Sponsored walks are one of the most popular ways to raise money for breast cancer during October. Whether you prefer a short stroll in your local park or a longer challenge, walking for breast cancer is a meaningful way to show your support.
Organise a local walk
Gather friends, family or colleagues for a sponsored walk in your area. Even a 5 km walk can raise hundreds of pounds for breast cancer awareness.
Join a community event
Many breast cancer charities organise sponsored walks throughout October. Check local listings and community noticeboards for events near you.
Count your steps
Use a fitness app or step tracker to set a daily step goal for October, and ask friends and family to sponsor you per mile or per 1,000 steps.
Walking for breast cancer? Direct your fundraising to where it's needed most.
Fund a breast cancer screening — £25Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the UK
Find breast cancer awareness information, local NHS services and fundraising ideas for your city or town.
England
This October
Go beyond awareness
Awareness in the UK is important. But millions of women in the developing world need more than awareness — they need screening, education and treatment. Fund it this October.
Donate This October