Breast Cancer Research Stamps Have Raised $100 Million
The semipostal stamps allow Americans to support medical research through standard postage purchases.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Cancer
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Since their 1998 launch, over 1 billion breast cancer research stamps have been sold in the United States. These stamps, currently priced at $20, help fund essential oncology studies for the public.
Why it matters
Stamp sales provide a consistent, micro-funding stream for cancer research, bridging the gap between everyday habits and medical philanthropy. These funds support specialized investigations at major federal institutions during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.
Official sales data shows 1 billion stamps sold since 1998, generating $100 million in total funding. Net proceeds are distributed as 70% to the National Institutes of Health and 30% to the Department of Defense Medical Research Program.
The players
United States Postal Service
The federal agency responsible for mail operations that manages the distribution of semipostal stamps for national interest causes.
National Institutes of Health
The primary federal agency for medical research that receives 70 percent of net proceeds from breast cancer stamp sales.
Department of Defense
The federal department managing the Medical Research Program, which receives 30 percent of net proceeds from breast cancer stamp sales.
The details
Congress authorizes the U.S. Postal Service to issue semipostal stamps that carry a premium over standard first-class rates. When a consumer buys these rolls for $20, the difference between the $16.40 base price and the premium is directed toward designated health initiatives. Unlike other stamps where 100% of proceeds support a single agency, the breast cancer stamp splits funding between the NIH and the Department of Defense.
Timeline
1998: Breast cancer research stamp first released.
2014: Breast cancer stamp reissued.
September 19, 2026: Christmas stamps released.
October 2026: Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October 2, 2026: Madonna with Child stamp available.
Health Landscape
The stamp program serves as an extension of the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act, which authorized the creation of semipostals for charitable research. This approach sits alongside other federal funding mechanisms for disease-specific research.
Purchasing these stamps is a simple way to contribute to federal oncology research funding during your routine mailing activities. Consult your doctor to discuss local screening resources or clinical trial participation, which remain the most direct ways to engage with the cancer care community.
The takeaway
These stamps represent a long-running partnership between the postal service and major health agencies to generate research capital. If you are interested in broader charitable medical efforts, ask your physician about established research foundations that align with your health concerns.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment trends and prevention, see Cancer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The US Sun.
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