History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2025

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign held every October. Organized by major breast cancer charities, its primary goals are to raise awareness about breast cancer and to generate funds for research. These funds support research into the causes, prevention methods, diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and potential cures for the disease. The campaign aims to unite efforts globally in the fight against breast cancer.

October 1983: First Komen Race for the Cure

In October 1983, the first Komen Race for the Cure was held. It is now a year-round event.

1985: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Created

In 1985, "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month" (NBCAM) was created as a collaborative effort between the American Academy of Family Physicians, AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation, CancerCare, Inc., and a variety of other sponsors to raise awareness and gain funding for research for a cure.

1985: NBCAM Founded

In 1985, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) was founded through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, now AstraZeneca. The NBCAM aimed to promote mammography as the most effective method in combating breast cancer from the start in 1985.

1989: Zeneca Inc. Screening Program

Inspiration for the foundation of NBCAM came from Zeneca Inc. in 1989 when they began a breast cancer screening program within their company.

1991: Susan G. Komen Foundation uses Pink Ribbons

In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.

1993: Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Pink Ribbon Established

In 1993, Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée Lauder Companies, founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol.

1996: Zeneca Inc. Analyzes Screening Program Costs

In 1996, Zeneca Inc. analyzed the costs associated with their breast cancer screening program, finding it more cost-effective than not having the program.

2003: NBCAM Justification

According to Pezzullo (2003), AstraZeneca's initial justification for NBCAM was one of basic accounting: it was cost-effective for a company to detect cancer in its employees during the disease’s earlier stages.

2009: Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week Established

In 2009, advocacy groups globally established the third week of October as "Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week".

2010: Delta Plane Painted in BCRF Colors

In 2010, Delta Air Lines painted a Boeing 767-432ER in "Breast Cancer Research Foundation" special colors.

September 2015: Delta Repaints Plane in BCRF Livery

In September 2015, Delta Air Lines repainted a newer version of the "Breast Cancer Research Foundation" special colors on a Boeing 767-432ER plane.

October 2015: Criticism of Pink Products

According to the New York Times in October 2015, fine print disclaimers on pink products sold by Dick's Sporting Goods reveal that in some instances, no money at all is donated to breast cancer research.

2020: Leisure Leagues Women Football's Pink Cup

In 2020, the Pakistani branch of Leisure Leagues organized the Leisure Leagues Women Football's Pink Cup 2020 in Karachi, which was won by Diya W.F.C.