October is breast cancer awareness month—a time when communities unite to honor those affected, spotlight prevention, and push for advances in care. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, along with about 2,800 men. While those numbers are sobering, there is power in knowledge: when breast cancer is detected early and locally (before it spreads), the 5-year relative survival rate is about 99 %. National Breast Cancer Foundation. That’s why awareness, screening, and community support are so vital.
Here on Florida’s Suncoast, several organizations and events are working to bring strength, resources, and hope closer to home:
🌸 Local Champions & Resources
- Susan G. Komen Florida is active statewide, funding research and offering patient support. Every week, nearly 6,000 Floridians reach out for help from Komen’s helpline and breast care programs. Susan G. Komen®
- The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation schedules awareness events like “Ribbons & Ride” and fundraisers during October to unite communities and raise vital funds.
- Locally, groups like The Beautiful Gate, Inc. provide community-based support through educational workshops, financial resources, mammography screening assistance, and advocacy.
- The American Cancer Society – Florida supports patients with free services like transportation to treatments, lodging, and a 24/7 helpline.
- In Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is a National Cancer Institute–designated center that conducts advanced clinical trials, outreach programs, and prevention research that often benefit nearby communities.
🎗️ Raising Awareness Across the Region
While some Suncoast areas may not always host major signature walks, communities often join national and state campaigns. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk series by the American Cancer Society is a staple across many Florida locales (e.g. in counties near Fort Myers or Naples) each October. In Lee County (Fort Myers area), community events such as “Bike Night in Pink” bring people together to honor survivors, raise funds, and boost visibility.
🧡 An Upbeat Call to Action
Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, but communities can come together to stand against it. Even small actions—scheduling a mammogram, sharing education with friends, joining a local fundraiser or walk—can make a difference. October also recognizes Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (Oct. 13), a reminder that even when the disease has moved beyond the breast, research and support must continue. Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week (Oct. 17–23) also shines light on a less well-known risk: men, trans men, and nonbinary individuals can and do get breast cancer too…