NATIONAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTHLY INFORMATION

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  January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, focusing on education and support for those affected by cervical cancer. In 2025, about 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., with approximately 4,320 deaths projected. Nearly all cases are linked to HPV infection, emphasizing the importance of prevention and regular screening.  

 February is National Cancer Prevention Month, as well as Gallbladder Cancer and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, the focus is on raising awareness about cancer prevention, as research shows that up to 40% of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, inactivity, and sun exposure—meaning healthy choices can significantly reduce cancer risk. Additionally, February highlights the rarer gallbladder and bile duct cancers, which affect thousands of Americans each year and often have poor outcomes. 

 March is dedicated to raising awareness for colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and multiple myeloma. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with over 154,000 new cases and nearly 53,000 deaths expected in 2025; early detection through screening can significantly improve survival rates, but incidence is rising among younger adults. Kidney cancer accounts for about 81,000 new cases and 14,500 deaths in 2025, with men and certain racial groups at higher risk; most cases are diagnosed in people over 65, and early-stage detection leads to much better outcomes. Multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, affects more than 176,000 people globally each year and remains incurable, though awareness and research efforts in March aim to improve treatments and support for those impacted. 

 April is Esophageal, Head and Neck, and Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. In 2025, about 22,070 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and 16,250 will die from the disease, reflecting its high mortality rate; risk factors include smoking, heavy alcohol use, and Barrett’s esophagus. Head and neck cancers, which account for nearly 4% of all U.S. cancers, are more common in men and people over 50, with tobacco and alcohol use as major risk factors. Testicular cancer, primarily starting in germ cells, will affect an estimated 9,860 men in 2025, with about 500 deaths projected; it is most common in younger and middle-aged men. 

 May is National Cancer Research Month, emphasizing the importance of research in advancing cancer treatment and supporting millions of survivors. It also raises awareness for bladder, brain, and melanoma/skin cancers. In 2025, bladder cancer will affect over 83,000 people, brain cancers about 25,400, and melanoma over 100,000 Americans. These cancers vary in risk and severity, highlighting the need for education, early detection, and continued research funding. 

 June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate the more than 18 million people in the U.S. living with, through, and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to advances in research, the five-year survival rate for all cancers has risen to 69.2%. However, not all groups have benefited equally, and disparities in survivorship and treatment remain 

 July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. In 2025, an estimated 13,520 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma and 3,770 new cases of primary bone sarcoma will be diagnosed in the United States. About 5,410 people are expected to die from soft tissue sarcoma, and 2,050 from bone sarcoma. The five-year relative survival rate is 66% for soft tissue sarcomas and 68% for bone and joint sarcomas.  Bone cancers are more common in teens, while soft tissue sarcomas typically affect adults over 55. Because sarcomas can be difficult to distinguish from other cancers when found within organs, their incidence may be underestimated. Raising awareness promotes early detection, research, and better support for patients and families affected by these challenging diseases. 

This month is not associated with a type of cancer.

 September is a significant month for cancer awareness, highlighting six types: childhood, leukemia and lymphoma, ovarian, prostate, thyroid, and gynecological cancers. Childhood cancer, though rare, is the leading cause of disease-related death in children and adolescents, but survival rates have greatly improved due to research. Leukemia and lymphoma are blood cancers with thousands of new cases expected annually, while ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer, and thyroid and gynecological cancers also impact tens of thousands of Americans each year. This month emphasizes the importance of early detection, research, and support for those affected by these diverse cancers. 

 October is best known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is also Liver Cancer Awareness Month. In 2025, about 316,950 women and 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, with an additional 59,080 cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women (excluding skin cancers) and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, with an estimated 42,170 deaths expected in 2025. The most common type is ductal carcinoma, and while men can also be affected, cases are much rarer. Liver cancer, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, is more common in men and has a five-year survival rate of just 21.7%. Throughout October, the Cancer Awareness Club can promote education, early detection, and support, such as distributing awareness ribbons and encouraging donations to research and support organizations. 

  November is dedicated to raising awareness for four cancers: carcinoid, gastric, lung, and pancreatic. Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing cancers often found in the digestive tract and lungs, and are more common in older women. Gastric cancer (stomach cancer) is expected to be diagnosed in about 26,890 Americans in 2025. Pancreatic cancer, the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., is closely linked to diabetes and is most often of the exocrine type. Lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer for both men and women, with smoking as its leading cause and more annual deaths than any other cancer type. November’s awareness efforts focus on education, early detection, and support for those affected by these serious diseases.

This month is not associated with a type of cancer.