National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Celebrating 25 Years of Awareness, Education, and Empowerment

Q: What is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
A: The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.

Q: What is the purpose of NBCAM?
A: Since its inception 25 years ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. Today, NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment, and knowing the facts about recurrence.

Q: Which month of the year is designated as NBCAM?
A: Although October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NBCAM organization is dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer awareness throughout the year. The www.NBCAM.org Web site is a year-round resource for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and the general public, and we encourage you to visit our site in October and regularly throughout the year as we add updated breast cancer information and resources.

Q: What role did Betty Ford and her daughter Susan Ford Bales play in NBCAM?
A: Former First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor and one of the first public figures to speak out about the disease, joined her daughter Susan Ford Bales in a televised emotional appeal to call attention to the importance of screening. Soon after, other public figures, industry executives, community leaders, members of the media, nonprofit organizations, and many individual women further galvanized national public interest.

Q: What is the Board of Sponsors of NBCAM and what role does it play?
A: The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign is comprised of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working in partnership to raise awareness and provide access to screening services. These groups make up the Board of Sponsors (BOS), all of whom are listed and described here. Click on any BOS member Web site to learn more about breast cancer, breast health, and the importance of early detection of this disease.