Oct. 20, 2026, marks the ninth annual International Mastocytosis & Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day, which aims to raise awareness of systemic mastocytosis (SM) and other mast cellMast cell A type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They help defend against infections and play a key role in allergic reactions. In SM, mast cells become overactive and build up throughout the body. disorders.
This year, the theme of the campaign is “Unnoticed. Unmistakable.” Mast cell diseases continue to be underrecognized and unnoticed by external observers, but to the people living with these conditions, symptoms can significantly shape daily life.
Learn more: “What are mast cell diseases?“
The organizers provide a toolkit with tips on how to get involved and spread the word. Throughout the month of October, participants are encouraged to create social media posts and hang up Awareness Day posters in clinics or workplaces. Resources are offered in several languages to help expand the global reach of the campaign.
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Participants can also film a short video about their story. Potential topics for discussion include:
- When symptoms first started and how they have changed over time.
- The diagnostic process.
- What a typical day looks like with a mast cell disorder.
- An anecdote that illustrates the patient experience.
- What “unmistakable” means to you.
Using the hashtags #UnnoticedUnmistakable, #MCADSAwarenessDay and #MastCellDisease and tagging @mmcdawarenessday on Facebook or @mastcellawarenessday on Instagram allows the organizers to more easily find and share your story.
Other organizations, such as the Australasian Mast Cell Society, invite individuals to get creative. Art, writing, photography, baking and more can be outlets for reflecting on one’s story and raising awareness in unique ways.
The first International Mastocytosis & Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day took place on Oct. 20, 2018. Organized by the MastocytosisMastocytosis Rare disease caused by the buildup of mast cells. Cutaneous mastocytosis primarily affects the skin and is more common in children, while systemic mastocytosis affects internal organs and is more common in adults. and Mast Cell Diseases International Group, the campaign began with 23 participating organizations across 21 countries. The committee sought to facilitate connections between patients, doctors and researchers from around the world.
In addition to SM, the Awareness Day covers conditions including other types of mastocytosis, mast cell activationMast cell activation Describes when mast cells release histamine and other mediators into the blood stream in response to an allergen or other trigger. This leads to symptoms like fatigue, rash and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. syndrome and symptomatic hereditary alpha-tryptasemia.
Read more: “Self-advocacy and systemic mastocytosis: How to make your voice heard“
