People facing breast cancer may be balancing treatment appointments, family responsibilities, and time away from work. Questions about medical bills can add another concern during an already difficult time. Support can mean someone listening, helping with everyday responsibilities, or helping with the cost of care.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn about the disease and recognize the people affected by it. Within the Zion HealthShare community, members help support one another through the financial challenges that can accompany a diagnosis.
How October Became Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a week-long campaign co-led by the American Cancer Society to educate women about screening and mammograms. The effort grew into an annual October observance that brings attention to breast cancer education, research, and support for those affected by the disease.
The familiar pink ribbon became associated with the cause in the early 1990s. Susan G. Komen distributed pink ribbons at its New York City Race for the Cure in 1991. The following year, Estée Lauder helped bring the symbol to a wider audience by distributing ribbons at cosmetics counters nationwide. Those efforts helped establish pink as a recognizable symbol of breast cancer awareness and support.
Helping One Another with the Cost of Care
Over the past 12 months, Zion HealthShare members have shared $2,276,388 in breast cancer treatments. In 2025 alone, approximately $280,880 was shared toward medical expenses associated with 35 mastectomy related cases. This support was made possible by members contributing each month to help one another with eligible medical expenses.
The financial impact of breast cancer treatment can be significant. A 2023 study examining hospital pricing for breast cancer surgeries found a median pre-insurance cost of $24,541 for a mastectomy. Cash-pay pricing can provide opportunities to reduce medical expenses, highlighting the importance of exploring affordable care options while helping members receive the treatment they need.
For members facing these expenses, medical cost sharing provides an opportunity to explore cash-pay pricing while receiving financial support from their community. That support comes through the contributions of fellow members, many of whom will never meet the person whose care they are helping fund. Giving and receiving are both part of belonging to Zion HealthShare, where members contribute to help others and can turn to their community when they have eligible medical needs of their own.
Our commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer extends beyond medical cost sharing. This October, Zion HealthShare is proud to sponsor Pickle Pink: Rally Against Breast Cancer, a community fundraiser hosted by 5D Cancer Services and The Pickle Pad in St. George, Utah, on October 24. The event brings the community together to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and support those affected by breast cancer.
This October, we recognize those living with breast cancer, those who have lost someone, and the families and caregivers supporting loved ones. We also thank our members for continuing to care for one another through medical cost sharing throughout the year.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashton Price
Member of the Zion HealthShare Editorial Team This story was written by Ashton Price, Communications Manager at Zion HealthShare. She holds a Master’s degree in Professional Communication and specializes in writing, editing, and strategic communications. Since joining Zion healthShare in 2024, Ashton has written much of the organization’s website content, focusing on making complex healthcare information easier to understand.