October Awareness Guide: Key Causes, Ribbon Colors & Days to Remember
Last updated: September 2025
October is packed with powerful awareness moments. This general guide rounds up the major October awareness months, ribbon colors, and key days to mark on your calendar—plus a few easy ideas to show support. Whether you’re here to confirm that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October, to find the ribbon colors for domestic violence awareness, or to plan a campus or team initiative, you’re in the right place.
October at a Glance
- Major awareness months: Breast Cancer (pink), Domestic Violence (purple), ADHD (orange), Dyslexia (red), Down Syndrome (blue/yellow), Liver Cancer (emerald), Pregnancy & Infant Loss (pink/blue)
- Key days: World Mental Health Day (Oct 10), International Day of the Girl (Oct 11), National Coming Out Day (Oct 11), Metastatic Breast Cancer Day (Oct 13), Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day (Oct 15), Purple Thursday (third Thursday), National Mammography Day (third Friday), World Teachers’ Day (Oct 5)
- Tip: Some dates are fixed; others vary by year (e.g., “third Friday”). Confirm exact dates when scheduling.
October Awareness Months & Ribbon Colors
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Pink)
Honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and fund early detection. Consider a “wear pink” day, donation match, or care packages.
Shop awareness ribbons • Create custom pins
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Purple)
Visibility saves lives. Host a resources table, share the hotline, and participate in Purple Thursday (third Thursday) to raise awareness.
ADHD Awareness Month (Orange)
Focus on inclusion and support—offer study skills workshops, workplace accommodations tips, and myth-busting posts.
Dyslexia Awareness Month (Red)
Promote accessible learning: audiobooks, large-print materials, and teacher training on evidence-based reading strategies.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month (Blue/Yellow)
Center dignity and opportunity. Share stories, celebrate self-advocates, and highlight inclusive workplaces and schools.
Liver Cancer Awareness Month (Green)
Educate around risk factors, screening, and support networks for patients and caregivers.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month (Pink/Blue)
Hold space for grief and remembrance. Consider a candlelight moment or a “Wave of Light” on Oct 15 at 7 PM local time.
Key October Awareness Days
- World Teachers’ Day — Oct 5
- World Mental Health Day — Oct 10
- International Day of the Girl — Oct 11
- National Coming Out Day (U.S.) — Oct 11
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day — Oct 13
- Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day — Oct 15 (Wave of Light)
- Purple Thursday — Third Thursday (Domestic Violence Awareness)
- National Mammography Day (U.S.) — Third Friday
Note: Observances can vary by country or organization. Confirm dates locally.
Simple Ways to Participate
- Wear the color: Pink for breast cancer, purple for domestic violence, orange for ADHD, etc.
- Share resources: Post helplines, screening info, and local support groups.
- Host a moment: A five-minute huddle, a candlelight vigil (Oct 15), or a “wear purple” day.
- Fundraise: Donate proceeds from a product or match team donations.
- Educate: Invite a speaker, share myth-vs-fact posts, and promote accessible learning tools.
Quick Ribbon Guide for October
Keep awareness visible—this month and every month
From ribbons to hearts, pins spark conversation and show solidarity. Explore our collection or create custom pins for your team, campus, or event.
October FAQs
What awareness months are in October?
Major October observances include Breast Cancer (pink), Domestic Violence (purple), ADHD (orange), Dyslexia (red), Down Syndrome (blue/yellow), Liver Cancer (emerald), and Pregnancy & Infant Loss (pink/blue). Some regions may recognize additional causes.
When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
October. Look out for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 and National Mammography Day on the third Friday.
What color is the ribbon for domestic violence awareness?
Purple. Many communities participate in Purple Thursday on the third Thursday of October to raise visibility.
Is World Mental Health Day in October?
Yes—October 10. It’s a good time to share mental health resources, screening tools, and helplines.
Do these dates change every year?
Some are fixed (e.g., Oct 10). Others follow a pattern (e.g., “third Friday”). Always confirm dates for your country and the current year before you publish event calendars.