Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year on October 13, and it is a day dedicated to raising awareness specifically about metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer, emphasizing the needs, challenges, and research gaps that those living with advanced disease face.

History of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day came into more formal recognition in the United States in 2009, when advocates and patients lobbied Congress to designate October 13 for this purpose. Over time it has gained broader support in cancer advocacy circles globally. Its growth reflects a push to distinguish between general breast cancer awareness and the particular realities of metastatic disease—where the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other organs.

Why is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day important?

Many public campaigns around breast cancer emphasize early detection and remission, which is vitally important—but often leave those living with metastatic disease feeling unseen or overlooked. This day draws attention to the fact that metastatic breast cancer is usually incurable, although treatable, and that patients frequently face chronic, lifelong challenges with therapies, side effects, and uncertainty.

Moreover, funding and research for metastatic breast cancer remain disproportionately low compared to other cancer efforts, despite the high need. This awareness day advocates for increased investment in treatments that extend life and improve quality of life, and for better support systems (medical, psychological, social) for people with stage IV disease.

Some of the key issues highlighted include:

• the need for more research targeting metastatic disease rather than only early-stage
• the emotional, financial, and physical toll of long‑term therapies
• the importance of tailored support for metastatic patients and their caregivers
• the misconception that a “successful breast cancer campaign” covers all patients
• the urgency of equity in treatment access, including in less-resourced regions

How to Observe Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

One important step is education and amplification: share facts, personal stories, and research gaps via social media or in your community to help others understand the distinct nature of metastatic breast cancer. Use hashtags such as #MetastaticBreastCancer, #LightUpMBC, or #Stage4NeedsMore to join global conversations.

You can also support through action and giving: donate to organizations focused on metastatic breast cancer funding (for example, METAvivor) or participate in their campaigns like “LightUpMBC,” where landmarks light in colors that represent metastatic breast cancer. If you are connected to a cancer center, hospital, school, or local group, you might organize an event—a talk, panel, awareness walk, or art exhibit—to center the voices of those living with metastatic disease.

Also, for individuals personally affected, it can be a day to reach out, support, and connect: send messages of encouragement, share resources, volunteer with support groups, or gently check in with someone living with metastatic breast cancer.

Here are some straightforward ways you might observe the day:

• Share a patient’s story or fact sheet about metastatic breast cancer
• Donate to or fundraise for metastatic breast cancer research
• Participate in or promote a “LightUpMBC” or similar lighting event
• Host or attend an awareness event, talk, or art exhibit
• Reach out to someone with metastatic breast cancer to offer solidarity

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day Dates Table