Every October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting people affected by breast cancer. In 2026, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases and nearly 700,000 deaths worldwide in 2024.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than wearing pink. It is an opportunity to understand the signs and risk factors, encourage appropriate screening, and remind people that early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. If left untreated, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.
Although breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, accounting for approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancer cases.
Breast cancer can occur at any age, but the risk generally increases with age. Importantly, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history of the disease.
Why It Matters
Breast cancer is a major global health concern, but early detection can make a significant difference. When breast cancer is detected before it has spread, treatment is generally more successful.
However, barriers such as limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, cost, and restricted access to screening and treatment can contribute to poorer outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment to reduce these inequalities.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Knowing what changes to look for can help people seek medical attention promptly. Possible signs include:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling, redness, or changes in the skin
- Changes in the appearance of the nipple
- Unusual or bloody nipple discharge
- Persistent changes in the breast that are unusual for you
A breast lump does not automatically mean cancer—many breast lumps are benign. However, any new or unusual breast change should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including:
- Increasing age
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited gene mutations, including BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Being overweight or obese, particularly after menopause
- Physical inactivity
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
- Previous exposure to radiation
- Certain reproductive and hormonal factors
Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will develop breast cancer, and many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no major modifiable risk factors beyond age and sex.
Prevention and Early Detection
Not every case of breast cancer can be prevented, but healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce risk. Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco are important steps.
People should also become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report unusual changes. Screening recommendations vary according to age, personal risk, and national guidelines, so speak with a healthcare professional about which screening approach is appropriate for you.
This Month’s Message: “Awareness Is Important, But Action Saves Lives”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that awareness should lead to action. Learn the signs, understand your risk, attend recommended screening appointments, and encourage the people around you to take their breast health seriously.
This October, let’s move beyond awareness and take action. Early detection, timely care, and support can make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.