10/16/2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we see a wave of pink reminding us of the importance of screening and early detection. Why are screenings so crucial? Because they are our best defense in finding cancer at its earliest stages, often before any physical symptoms can be seen or felt. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. This statistic alone underscores the life-saving power of proactive health screenings like mammograms. They are not just appointments on a calendar; they are vital steps in protecting your long-term health and well-being.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, after skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Here is what everyone should know:
While rare, men can also get breast cancer.
The most common symptom is a new lump or mass in the breast.
Other possible symptoms include swelling of all or part of a breast, skin dimpling, breast or ni**le pain, and ni**le retraction (turning inward).
Simply being a woman and getting older are the two main risk factors.
About 5-10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child (like BRCA1 and BRCA2).
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer early.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk have the choice to start annual mammograms between ages 40 and 44, and all women should begin yearly mammograms by age 45.
Monthly breast self-exams can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice changes.
Lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and limiting alcohol can help lower your risk.
A family history of breast or ovarian cancer on either your mother's or father's side is a significant risk factor.
Most women (about 85%) who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
This October, take action for yourself and the women you love. Know your risk, know your body, and get screened. Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal screening plan. If you are due for a mammogram, don't delay.
