August 18 marks World Breast Cancer Research Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of breast cancer research and reminding the public that the fight against the disease continues long after October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the World Breast Cancer Research Day organization, the date was selected because August 18 represents the statistic that approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. The organization also emphasizes that breast cancer can affect men as well as women, making research and treatment important for everyone impacted by the disease.
World Breast Cancer Research Day was founded in 2021 by the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. The goal is to bring greater attention to the research being conducted to prevent, treat and ultimately eliminate breast cancer throughout the entire year—not only during October.
The organization says breast cancer research is critical to understanding the disease and developing better treatments. In January 2024, the Tower Cancer Research Foundation expanded its mission by establishing the Dr. Susan Love Fund for Breast Cancer Research. Tower Cancer Research Foundation supports high-impact cancer research as well as survivorship programs.
World Breast Cancer Research Day provides an opportunity to recognize researchers, advocates, survivors, patients and families affected by breast cancer while encouraging continued support for research.
The organization’s message is simple: Breast cancer awareness should not end when October does. Continued research, advocacy and support are needed throughout the year in the effort to one day achieve a world without breast cancer.
Source: World Breast Cancer Research Day
worldbreastcancerresearchday.org
