Breast Cancer Awareness Month started as a week-long event in October 1985. Founded by the American Cancer Society, in partnership a British company that made tamoxifen, the campaign eventually grew into a month-long event.
The initial pink breast cancer awareness ribbon is generally attributed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 1991.
The pink ribbon emerged as a widespread breast cancer symbol in 1992 when Alexandra Penney, editor of SELF magazine and Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder created a large-scale campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The campaign included the pink breast cancer ribbon gracing the cover of SELF magazine and more than 1 million pink ribbons were handed out at Estée Lauder makeup counters.
Facts and Figures
According to the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute in 2025, the United States is projected to see about 319,750 new breast cancer cases (316,950 in women and 2,800 in men), with an estimated 42,680 deaths from the disease.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis in the U.S., but survival rates are improving, with the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer being 99%.
Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., excluding skin cancers.
When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
There are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center
23929 McBean Parkway, Suite #101, Valencia 91355
Info www.henrymayo.com/medical-services/breast-center
The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center opened in 2003 on the campus of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. It is named for Veloz, an SCV philanthropist and community leader. She died in 2001 after a long battle with breast cancer.
Its mission is to offer a wide range of services, including breast cancer screenings with annual mammography, high-risk breast cancer testing and cutting-edge breast cancer treatments.
The center has received the American College of Radiology Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center Medal.
Each patient receives a 3D mammogram and a lifetime risk assessment.
The Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and every other Saturday. Call ahead for evening and Saturday appointments at (661) 200-1099.
Marlee Lauffer, president of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and vice president of marketing and communications for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, said the Foundation looks forward to October when it focuses on raising money and awareness for breast cancer.
“October is the month when there is an international focus on breast cancer,” she said. “We have a calendar where we highlight our sponsors and how the community can help support the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center.”
Lauffer said the hospital and the center also focus on education.
“We do podcasts and in-person visits to organizations where we provide updates on the technology used at the center for mammograms and other diagnostic procedures,” she said. “We will offer a Girl Talk seminar, which is a fun evening with wine and appetizers with information on breast health and breast cancer.”
A next monthly breast cancer support group will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Henry Mayo Campus Education Center in Valencia. Check the foundation’s website for more information on special Breast Cancer month events and future support group meetings at www.henrymayo.com/classes.
To register for the Thursday, Oct. 9 Girl Talk seminar on breast health and breast cancer visit www.henrymayo.com/girltalk.
Support the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center at the following businesses:
Monday, Oct. 6 Rattler’s Bar B Que will donate 10% of proceeds.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 Stonefire Grill will donate 10% of proceeds.
Monday, Oct. 27 Copper Hill BBQ will donate 10% of proceeds.
During October order the “Sheila,” a pink martini, at Salt Creek Grille, a portion of proceeds will be donated.
More donation opportunities can be found at www.henrymayo.com/support-henry-mayo/about-the-foundation.
Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita
26877 Tourney Road, Valencia 91355
“At Kaiser Permanente, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of our ongoing commitment to saving lives through early detection, advanced treatments, and compassionate care,” said Brian Y. Shin, MD, MPH, chief of hematology and medical oncology, Kaiser Permanente. “Our experienced, multidisciplinary teams work together to ensure every patient and caregiver receives timely, personalized support. This month, and every month, we proudly stand with our patients and communities to raise awareness, encourage screenings, and honor the strength of those impacted by breast cancer.”
Kaiser Permanente will host Pink Day events in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Walk-in patients and members will be accepted for mammogram screenings which will include:
Educational exhibits on breast health.
Opportunities to chat with care team members and ask questions.
A complimentary tote bag for patients receiving a mammogram in October.
This year’s theme is “Step Up for Awareness” with a fun twist: Kaiser Permanente teams are participating in a friendly crafting and decorating competition and patients get to vote for favorite designs.
The SCV Pink Day event will be held: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mammogram screenings are recommended every 24 months for women ages 40 to 74. To schedule your mammogram call 1-833-KP4CARE.
Circle of Hope, Inc.
23033 Lyons Ave., Suite 3, Newhall 91321
Info www.circleofhopeinc.org
Circle of Hope Inc. was established in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity to provide emotional, educational and financial assistance to SCV residents with breast cancer. It has since expanded to include supportive wellness therapies and assistance to the community for all forms of cancer.
The free support groups are open to everyone. In addition to diagnosis and treatment support, Circle of Hope specializes in the care that is needed as years go by. Many deal with the long-term effects of cancer treatment multiple years after recovery. The support group meets every other Tuesday at 7 p.m.
It annually offers the 31 Days of Hope calendar in October which offers a variety of events and fundraising opportunities to support the fight against breast cancer.