Date
Saturday
Oct
18

October 18

​National Mammography Day

Show your support for National Mammography Day and join the fight against breast cancer - schedule your appointment today!

Yearly Date
​Third Friday in October
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

Mark your calendars for National Mammography Day on the third Friday of October! This day was created to promote awareness about the importance of early detection and screening for breast cancer. The U.S. Congress designated this day in 1993 and since then it has become an annual event to remind women (and men) to take charge of their health and get regular mammograms. Early detection is key in helping prevent serious complications, so make sure you schedule your appointment today!

​National Mammography Day Timeline

1895
Discovery of X-Rays
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered the X-rays, a significant breakthrough that would later pave the way for mammography.
1913
Albert Salomon's Study on Breast Cancer
Surgeon Albert Salomon conducted the first comprehensive study of breast cancer using X-rays, helping develop the technique of mammography.
1960
Perfecting Mammography
Radiologist Robert Egan published "A New Radiographic Technique for Breast Diagnosis", improving the quality and diagnostic use of mammograms.
1992
Mammography Quality Standards Act
The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) was passed by Congress to ensure the safety and accuracy of mammograms across the United States.
1993
Establishment of National Mammography Day
The U.S. Congress designated the third Friday in October as National Mammography Day, dedicating it to promoting awareness about early detection of breast cancer through mammograms.
2001
Introduction of Digital Mammography
The FDA approved the first full-field digital mammography system, making mammograms more detailed and easier to interpret.

How to Celebrate ​National Mammography Day

1

Schedule a mammogram

It is recommended that women ages 40 and over should get a yearly mammogram. Make sure you schedule yours and don't forget to mark it on your calendar.

2

Spread the word

Share mammography facts, stories, and resources with your friends and family. The more people know, the better.

3

Donate to a breast cancer charity

Consider donating to a breast cancer charity or organization in honor of National Mammography Day. Your donation could help fund research or provide care for those in need.

4

Attend an event

Check with local hospitals, medical centers, and other health organizations to see if they are hosting events in honor of National Mammography Day. You could attend a free screening, health talk, or other educational event.

5

Wear pink

Show your support for National Mammography Day by wearing something pink on October 18th. Put on your favorite pink shirt or dress up in pink from head to toe!

Why ​National Mammography Day is Important

A

Mammography helps detect cancer early

By getting a mammogram, you can catch any potential signs of breast cancer before it spreads and spreads. Early detection is key when it comes to taking action against this potentially life-threatening disease. The earlier you are able to intervene, the better your chances are of successfully treating it.

B

Mammography saves lives

The goal of mammograms is to find breast cancer in its earliest stages so that successful treatment can be administered and lives can be saved. Regularly scheduled screenings help increase the rate of diagnosis as well as improve effectiveness of treatments, making them more successful overall.

C

Mammograms are easy and convenient

Most healthcare providers have onsite mammography facilities or can easily refer you to one nearby. And if you don't have access to transportation or live far away from a facility, there are even mobile mammogram clinics available in some areas which make it easier than ever to get regular screening done from the comfort and convenience of home.

​National Mammography Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 19
Thursday
2024
Oct 17
Thursday
2025
Oct 16
Thursday
2026
Oct 15
Thursday
2027
Oct 14
Thursday