Think Pink and Get Ready: Gearing Up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published in Women's Health on September 24, 2025

As October approaches, it's time for women’s health businesses—from mastectomy and home medical equipment providers to salons, boutiques, and specialty mother/baby shops—to prepare for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This time is an incredible opportunity to engage with customers, highlight essential products and services, and contribute to raising awareness about breast cancer while promoting early detection and prevention.

Educate Your Staff, Customers, and Referral Sources

The first step in preparing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to ensure that your staff is well-informed. Organize training sessions on breast cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection. Equip your team to answer questions and guide customers in understanding the products and services available to them.

October is also a great time to make sure that your referral sources have up to date information on your store and its offerings. Pay them a visit and make sure they have updated posters, contact information, and the latest information on what type of products you provide.

Collaborate with Breast Cancer Organizations

Partnering with local and national breast cancer organizations can enhance your efforts to raise awareness. These partnerships provide valuable resources, promotional materials, and support for events. Collaborating with established entities also lends credibility to your outreach initiatives.

Organize Educational Events and Workshops

Host workshops or informational sessions that engage your community and provide valuable insights into breast health awareness. Discuss topics such as self-examinations, the importance of mammograms, and share survivor stories. These breast cancer education sessions can include activities for breast cancer awareness month such as themed discussions and interactive demonstrations. Invite healthcare professionals to speak and answer questions, promoting a safe space for dialogue.

Other events like this could be a survivor networking event, fitting event with a manufacturer sales rep on hand, or an in-store fundraiser with a percentage of your proceeds going toward your charity of choice. Whatever you choose, get the word out by word-of-mouth, send invites on social media, and mail and email invitations.

Support Fundraising Initiatives

Consider participating in or hosting fundraising events that support breast cancer research and patient care. Organize, participate, or sponsor charity walks, auctions, galas, sporting events, or donation drives. These breast cancer awareness month activities can help engage your community and raise vital funds. Collaborate with other local businesses to amplify your efforts, showcasing a community united for a common cause.

If you're not hosting the event, ask the event organizers if you can host a table to educate your community about your full offering for cancer thrivers, including providing breast prosthesis and wigs.

Create a Visual Impact

Make your business stand out this October by incorporating pink ribbons, themed decor, and awareness materials. Adorn your storefront, waiting areas, and changing rooms with breast cancer information to draw attention to your initiatives and create awareness. Consider offering a breast cancer awareness month shirt or apparel to staff and customers to visually reinforce your support and encourage participation.

Stock Up on Inventory

Consider ordering specialty clothing, unique gifts, and jewelry including rubber wristbands. Additionally, consider which new products to pre-order, which existing items to increase stock for, and which ones you might want to phase out or put on clearance. It’s also a good idea to have small, low-cost items near the checkout. What breast cancer awareness products could be appealing for community events? Your store could be the go-to place for these items, as local residents likely associate your shop with them. Aim for products that yield 20-50% profit margins.

Offer Special Promotions and Discounts

Encourage participation by offering promotions related to breast health products or services. You might consider providing discounts on mastectomy products, donating a portion of sales to breast cancer research, or offering incentives to customers who engage in awareness events. Such efforts not only support the cause but also help you connect with more customers. In-store promotions and giveaways can help draw people into your store, like free drawings, gifts, treats, snacks and the debut of new products. Promoting a breast cancer awareness month shirt or other themed merchandise can also boost visibility and engagement.

Leverage Social Media Campaigns

Use social media as a powerful platform to raise awareness. Create engaging content such as graphics, posts, and hashtags that resonate with your audience. Share stories, provide breast health tips, and promote upcoming events. Encourage followers to share their experiences, thereby expanding your reach and engagement.

Together, women’s health businesses can make a substantial impact during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. By educating your team, collaborating with organizations, hosting events, creating visual awareness, offering promotions, utilizing social media, and supporting fundraising efforts, you can contribute to the fight against breast cancer and promote healthy futures for women everywhere.

Original article published September 2023 and updated September 2025.

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