Many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer—a friend, mother, sister, or maybe even yourself. Approximately one in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer during their lifetime. Each year, more than 40,000 women die from breast cancer.  Early detection of breast cancer can help improve a woman’s chance of survival. 

Although mammograms cannot prevent breast cancer, a mammogram is the best primary screening tool to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Women should ask their healthcare provider if and when a mammogram is right for them.

The FDA Office of Women’s Health launched the Pink Ribbon Sunday Mammography Awareness Program in 1998 to educate women about early detection of breast cancer through mammography. Pink Ribbon Sunday originally targeted African American and Hispanic churches. 

Over the years, we have expanded our program’s outreach to connect with as many women as possible. We are pleased to share our updated mammography resource, Pink Ribbon Guide: Mammography Matters.

Make a Difference

There are many reasons why women do not get recommended mammography screenings. They include fear, time, concerns about cost, lack of knowledge about mammography, and limited access to healthcare services.

You can help reduce some of these barriers by distributing reliable health information, providing emotional support, and connecting women to local resources. The Pink Ribbon Guide provides the information to give you the power to make a difference.

Use the guide to help inform women about the importance of mammography, to provide information and resources, and to plan Pink Ribbon events. In the guide, you will find:

• Basic facts about mammography
• A customizable flyer and postcard to promote your event
• Information on how to host an in-person or virtual event
• Resources on mammography and breast cancer 

The Guide is Easy and Fun to Implement

The steps detailed in the guide will give you the tools and resources you need to make your event a success. Help promote mammography awareness. Start planning your Pink Ribbon event today!

JUST FOLLOW THESE 4 SIMPLE STEPS

1. Start Planning
2. Spread the Word
3. Launch Your Pink Ribbon Event
4. Follow Up and Get Feedback

Materials from FDA to support your outreach efforts.

You can download or order in bulk free copies of Pink Ribbon Guide: Mammography Matters and the following FDA Office of Women’s Health mammography materials at: www.fda.gov/womenshealthpubs. 

Fact Sheets

• Mammograms Fact Sheet - English
• Mammograms Fact Sheet - Spanish
• Mammograms Fact Sheet in Other Languages

Postcards

• Mammograms Postcard - English (includes FDA certified mammography facilities in your area)
• Mammograms Postcard - Spanish

Does the FDA provide funding?

No. FDA does not provide money to pay for any costs associated with your Pink Ribbon activities. FDA only provides access to free copies and shipping of guide, fact sheets, and postcards available from the Office of Women's Health.

Additional Mammography Resources

• Mammography Information
• Mammography: What You Need to Know
• Free Mammography Publications for Women
• Find FDA-Certified Mammography Facilities
• Frequently Asked Questions about MQSA
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) – Free or low-cost mammography services
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Breast cancer screening and treatment
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Statistics and breast cancer information 

FDA Office of Women's Health Resources For You

• For Women Homepage
• An Invitation to Collaborate
• Women's Health Topics
• Get Other FDA Publications for Women