February Awareness Days

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:17:54 -0500

Every month, we raise awareness of disabilities, chronic illnesses, rare conditions, and health-related challenges that affect individuals. Throughout February, we are highlighting National Cancer Prevention Month, Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, Rare Disease Day, and Turner Syndrome Awareness Month. Each of these observances reminds us that awareness leads to understanding, understanding leads to action, and action can save lives. Together, we can support research, promote early diagnosis, reduce stigma, and build a more inclusive and informed community for all.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month
Source: February is National Cancer Prevention Month

February is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention, honoring survivors, and supporting continued research. In 2025, nearly 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer, and more than 618,000 lives were lost. However, research shows that about 40% of cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors such as smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, excessive sun exposure, and alcohol use.

The impact of prevention efforts is powerful. Between 1975 and 2020, nearly 5.94 million cancer deaths were prevented thanks to public health initiatives, education, and screening. For example, smoking rates among U.S. adults have declined from 42.4% in 1965 to 11.6% in 2022—yet smoking still accounts for nearly 19% of cancer cases and 30% of cancer-related deaths.

Prevention starts with informed choices:
• Avoid tobacco
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay active
• Protect your skin from the sun
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Stay up to date on recommended screenings and HPV vaccinations

National Cancer Prevention Month is also about community. From wearing lavender and attending health fairs to donating platelets, advocating for research, and supporting survivors, we all have a role to play.

This month, we honor resilience, celebrate progress in research, and recommit to prevention, because informed action can save lives.

February 22 is Heart Valve Disease Day

Source: Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

As many as 15.3 million Americans are living with heart valve disease, yet 3 out of 4 people know little to nothing about this potentially disabling and life-threatening condition. Heart Valve Disease Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the risks, symptoms, and the life-saving importance of early detection and treatment.

Your heart beats up to 100,000 times a day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body. Between its four chambers are valves that open and close to keep blood flowing in the right direction. When one or more of these valves becomes damaged and doesn't open or close properly, it disrupts blood flow—this is heart valve disease. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, blood clots, stroke, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, and even death.

The good news? Early diagnosis can save lives. Valve disease often causes a distinct sound called a heart murmur, which can be detected during a simple stethoscope exam. That's why it's so important to have your heart listened to regularly. If needed, your healthcare provider may recommend an echocardiogram to confirm a diagnosis and create a treatment plan. Fortunately, most types of valve disease can be successfully treated at any age.

With over 135 partner organizations supporting this campaign year-round, Heart Valve Disease Day reminds us that education and action matter.

You can help by:
• Scheduling regular heart checkups
• Sharing educational resources on social media
• Wearing and showing support
• Sharing your story to encourage others

Awareness leads to early detection, and early detection saves lives.

February 28 is Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and driving change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, along with their families and caregivers. Observed every year on February 28 (or February 29 in leap years—the rarest day of the year!), this day highlights the need for equity in healthcare, access to diagnosis and therapies, and social inclusion for people affected by rare diseases.

Since 2008, Rare Disease Day has united a diverse international community, with over 600 events in 106 countries, all working together to amplify voices that are often unheard. While patient-led, everyone can participate—families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the public.

You can take action by:
• Sharing your story, photos, or videos to raise awareness
• Participating in local events or campaigns
• Using social media to spread the message
• Downloading toolkits and creating your own materials to educate others

By coming together, we can help improve access to care, support research, and build a more equitable world for those living with rare diseases. Every voice counts, help shine a light on rare diseases and make a difference.

February is Turner Syndrome Awareness Month

Turner Syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal condition affecting females*, caused by the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome. It impacts about 1 in every 2,000–4,000 girls born. Although defined as a female condition, some males with a 45,X cell line may also be diagnosed.

Nearly 98% of Turner syndrome pregnancies end in miscarriage, making every girl and woman living with TS truly a miracle. Early diagnosis is vital so treatment for TS-related health issues can begin as soon as possible. A simple blood test (karyotype) can confirm the diagnosis at various stages of life.

TS affects each person differently, but common signs and health concerns may include:
• Short stature
• Delayed puberty or reduced fertility
• Heart or kidney abnormalities
• Hearing loss and recurrent ear infections
• Thyroid disease or diabetes
• Learning differences or anxiety

The Turner Syndrome Foundation (TSF) supports research, education, and awareness to improve care and outcomes. They provide resources for families, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals, and offer ways to get involved through advocacy and fundraising efforts.

You can help make a difference by:

• Donating to support research and education

• Participating in fundraisers like the Take A Step for TS Virtual Walk

• Joining awareness campaigns and sharing resources

• Supporting families navigating a prenatal TS diagnosis

Together, we can increase understanding, advance research, and help girls and women with Turner Syndrome thrive