Many families and organizations are commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Birmingham this October. Organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama and UAB’s O’Neal Cancer Center are teaming up with local businesses and people like you. They want to raise awareness and money to support breast cancer research through amazing local events.
Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime? The majority of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years old, but breast cancer can also affect men and young women. With breast exams, mammograms, and improved treatments, 60% of breast cancers are now detected in an early stage, and deaths due to breast cancer are declining. This is all great news, but there is still a lot of work to be done to increase early detection and save lives of those diagnosed with breast cancer. Here are some great ways that you can support this worthy cause.
October 1-31
This October Calera Goes Pink for the 16th year in a row to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. This fun campaign raises awareness and funds for breast cancer research in Alabama. Purchase a 2026 Calera Goes Pink Shirt for $15 and wear it throughout the month to show your support.
October 3
Visit Cahaba Brewing Co. for the CahabaQue Tailgate Challenge Anyone can bring their best tailgate food and decor and complete to win. Come try all-you-can-eat meat, dip or side, and dessert samples, and vote for your favorite tailgate while enjoying craft beer and football. All event proceeds support breast cancer research. Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the gate. Children 10 and under are free.
October 8
The Calera Goes Pink Golf Tournament begins at 1:00 p.m. with a Shotgun Start at Timberline Golf Club. Register yourself for $125 or your foursome for $500 online.
October 9
At the Calera Goes Pink Football game, cheer on Calera High School and wear your Calera Goes Pink shirt to support your home team and breast cancer research.
October 10
In Adamsville, Alabama, run for a great cause at the Colors of Cancer 5K Walk/ Run. They strive to eliminate and diminish some of the fears associated with cancer for people of all ages. Since its inception, CAN has served hundreds of cancer survivors and their family members. This fun event begins at 9 a.m. Register online to participate in person or virtually.
October 11
Lace-up your sneakers to raise funds and awareness for local, life-saving breast cancer research at the 9th annual Bolt for Breast Cancer 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run! Races begin at 2:00 p.m., and the entire family will love this event- kids can run, walk, bike, scoot to the finish line of the 1 Mile Fun Run.
October 24
Susan G. Komen is hosting the Walk Where You Are MORE THAN PINK Walk. Choose your route and time, and join families across the nation as they rally together to find a cure for breast cancer.
October 25
Find a group of friends and register to ride in the 14th annual Homewood Witches Ride, which supports the UAB O’Neal Cancer Center, helping advance life‑saving cancer research, patient care, and support services for those impacted by cancer. Enjoy music and food at the Family Fall Festival at 2:00 p.m., and stay for the Homewood Witches Ride beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Purchase a specialty car tag
Placing a specialty car tag on your car or truck is a daily reminder of the importance of breast cancer screening and research. 100% of funds received go to local breast cancer research.
Start with yourself!
Breast Exams
Do monthly self breast exams and visit your gynecologist for an annual breast exam. If you or your doctor notice any new changes, imaging can help determine the next step.
Get an annual mammogram
Guidelines on the timing of mammograms differ by organization. Many physicians recommend getting a baseline mammogram at 35 years old and beginning annual mammograms at 40 years old. If you have a family history of cancer, your recommendations could be different, so talk to your doctor.
Know your family history
If you have a family history of cancer, you may qualify for genetic testing to see if you have inherited a gene, like BRCA 1 or 2, which can increase your risk of breast cancer and other cancers. If you do, your doctor can talk to you about screening and other preventative options.
How will you increase awareness about breast cancer and support breast cancer research this month?
