Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Posted October 13, 2025

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place every year in October. It is a dedicated time to educate the public about breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer (MBC), emphasize the importance of early detection, and advocate for access to timely, quality care.

Key Information: Early Detection and Risk

Early Detection is Crucial: When breast cancer is found early, before it has spread, treatment is often less aggressive, and the 5-year survival rate is significantly higher (near 99% for localized cancer).
Mammograms are the Best Screening Tool: A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can detect breast cancer years before symptoms are felt.
- Recommendation: For women at average risk, major health organizations recommend starting annual mammograms at age 40 or 45. Discuss your personal risk factors and screening schedule with your healthcare provider.
Know Your Normal: Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognize any changes and report them to your doctor immediately.
- Signs/Symptoms to Look For: A new lump in the breast or underarm, a change in the size or shape of the breast, a change in the appearance of the nipple (like inversion), abnormal nipple discharge (other than breast milk), or redness/pitting/other changes in the breast skin.
Risk Factors: The two most common risk factors are being female and getting older. Other factors include family history.

Tips on How to Get Involved

Prioritize Your Own Health:

Schedule a Screening: If you are due for a mammogram, use October as your reminder to schedule one.
Know Your Risk: Talk to your doctor about your family history and personal risk factors.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Keep a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and limit alcohol consumption, as these steps can help lower your risk.

Raise Awareness and Educate Others:

Share Information: Use social media to share reliable, accurate information about breast cancer symptoms, screening guidelines, and the importance of early detection.
Talk to Your Loved Ones: Encourage the women (and men, as men can also get breast cancer) in your life to schedule their annual screenings.
Wear Pink: Participating in “Wear Pink” days or simply wearing a pink ribbon can start important conversations.

Support the Cause:

Donate: Contribute to reputable breast cancer organizations that fund research, provide patient support, and offer free or low-cost screenings.
Fundraiser: Host your own fundraiser, like a bake sale or raffle, or participate in a fundraising event like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Volunteer: Offer your time to a local breast cancer center, hospital, or non-profit organization.

Support Patients and Survivors:

Offer Support: Check in with friends or family who are currently living with breast cancer or are survivors. Offer emotional support or practical assistance.
Recognize Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC): October 13th is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Remember that not all breast cancer is curable, and people with MBC need continuous support and dedicated research.

Always remember that awareness extends beyond the month of October- breast health is year-round!