The Postal Service issued a 32-cent Breast Cancer Awareness commemorative stamp on June 15, 1996, in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the Race for the Cure.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Its focus is to raise public awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection through a regular program of self-examinations, physician exams, and mammograms. At this time there is no known way to prevent the disease, but if it is detected and treated early, a woman's chances of survival are very high.
The stamp was issued to increase awareness of breast cancer and the need for additional research, screening, and treatment. It kicked off a four-month public service campaign to raise awareness of the disease and encourage screening.
The word "AWARENESS" is microprinted in the lower-right corner of the design.
Breast cancer claims the life of one woman every 12 minutes in the United States, and more than 2.6 million women are living with the disease. One out of eight women are expected to develop breast cancer by the age of 80. In recognition of these statistics, the U.S. Postal Service issued the first stamp in its history to have its proceeds earmarked for research organizations.