Breast Cancer Research Stamps Have Raised $100 Million

The U.S. Postal Service has sold over 1 billion semipostal stamps since their 1998 debut.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Cancer

Breast Cancer Research Stamps Have Raised $100 Million

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Would you pay a premium for postage stamps if the proceeds supported a charitable cause?

The U.S. Postal Service continues to offer breast cancer research stamps for $20 per roll to support critical medical studies. These sales have funneled nearly $100 million into national research programs since the initiative began.

Why it matters

Stamp sales provide a consistent, micro-donation funding stream that supports vital health initiatives managed by federal agencies. By selecting specific causes for these semipostal stamps, the government bridges the gap between public mail usage and medical advancement.

A roll of breast cancer stamps costs $20, compared to $16.40 for standard first-class stamp rolls. Net proceeds are split with 70% going to the National Institutes of Health and 30% to the Department of Defense Medical Research Program.

The players

United States Postal Service

This independent agency of the executive branch is responsible for providing postal service in the United States.

National Institutes of Health

This is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research.

Department of Defense

This federal executive department is responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government related directly to national security.

The details

Congress authorizes the postal service to issue semipostal stamps that benefit specific charitable causes. While the breast cancer initiative splits funding between two agencies, other stamps like those for Alzheimer's and PTSD direct 100% of proceeds to a single federal health or veteran authority.

1998: The breast cancer research stamp was first released.
2014: The breast cancer stamp was officially reissued.
September 19, 2026: The Christmas stamp collection was released.
October 2026: The breast cancer stamp highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October 2, 2026: The Madonna with Child stamp becomes available.

The Big Picture

This initiative follows the mandate established by the Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act to utilize postal products for public health funding. The current sales model directly follows the authorization framework established by this original legislation.

Purchasing these stamps serves as a direct contribution to federally funded medical research programs. The premium price paid over standard postage costs is allocated entirely to institutional health studies.

The takeaway

Using semipostal stamps is a practical way for citizens to contribute to medical research through everyday expenses. These micro-contributions have collectively generated significant funding that continues to support national health priorities.