Established in 1985 and observed in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time set aside to give particular attention to the disease and to acknowledge the men and women who have been affected by it.

The campaign started as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries.  

Betty Ford, the wife of former United States President Gerald Ford and a survivor of the disease herself, played an instrumental role in kick-starting what began as weeklong activities. Her openness about her battle brought greater attention to the research surrounding breast cancer, which saved millions of lives.  

Since its inception, the goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been to educate women about the disease so they can take charge of their health. The campaign also aimed to promote and encourage women to do their annual mammogram, which is a tool used to detect breast cancer. A number of activities, including long distance events, are also held to help raise funds for research on the disease. During the month, survivors are also encouraged to share their stories.  

In 1992, the international symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pink ribbon, was used for the very first time by the cosmetics company Estée Lauder. They issued approximately 1.5 million of the pink ribbons, which gave way to it becoming a visual representation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.