October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pink Activities for Families
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and every year it turns a lot of things pink: storefronts, football fields, bake sale tables and school hallways. If your family wants to take part, you do not need a big plan. A pink craft at the kitchen table or a tray of pink ribbon cookies is a fine place to start.
Below are pink crafts, kid-friendly pink treats and small, practical ways to show support for someone you love. I have also linked to the national organizations that keep the facts straight, because this month is about real health information as much as pink ribbons.
You will find when the month happens and how it started, simple ways families can take part, how to talk about it with kids, 18 pink activities and treats, a few pink ribbon items, and where to find trusted screening guidelines.
When Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs every year from October 1 to October 31. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the first one took place in October 1985 as a campaign led by the American Cancer Society, and the pink ribbon became its widely recognized symbol in 1992.
The month has two jobs: showing support for people affected by breast cancer, and reminding women to stay on top of screening. The National Breast Cancer Foundation also marks National Mammography Day on October 16.
Simple Ways Families Can Take Part
- Pick a pink day. Choose one day for the whole family, or the whole homeschool co-op, to wear pink, and talk about why.
- Make something for someone. A handmade card, a pink ribbon key chain or a jar of sugar scrub is a thoughtful gift for a friend going through treatment.
- Bake for a cause. Pink ribbon cookies and cake pops are made for school or church bake sales that raise money for a breast cancer charity.
- Give or volunteer together. Older kids can help choose a charity, count the bake sale money or walk with you at a local event.
- Pass along a reminder. Encourage the women in your life to ask their doctor whether they are due for a screening.
Talking With Kids About Breast Cancer Awareness
Keep it short and age appropriate. For little ones, this is the month when people wear pink to cheer on folks who are sick and to remind grown-ups to go to the doctor for checkups. Doing a craft while you talk gives kids something to do with their hands, and their own questions usually follow.
If a child in your family knows someone with breast cancer, let them lead with what they want to know and answer honestly without adding worry. For more hands-on ideas aimed at children, see these breast cancer awareness activities for kids.
Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities
These pink crafts and treats are easy to pull off at home, and most of them are simple enough for kids to help with from start to finish.
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Pink drinks and treats for October get-togethers, plus easy pink crafts kids can make and give away.
Pink Ribbon Items for Awareness Month
If you are planning a walk team, a fundraiser or a classroom party, these pink ribbon items are easy to hand out. These are affiliate links.
- Falari Women’s Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Symbol Scarf
- Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Pens (72 pens)
- Suddora Pink Ribbon Wristbands
Where to Find Trusted Screening Information
Awareness month is a good nudge to check what the screening guidelines say. The CDC shares the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation that women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk get a mammogram every 2 years. The American Cancer Society publishes its own guidelines by age.
Guidelines differ a little between organizations, so the best next step is a conversation with your doctor about what fits your own health history.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the month itself, the pink ribbon and pink activities for kids.
I want to get two of these. One for my mother-in-law, and another for a dear friend. Thanks for letting us know about the offer.