October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/14/2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a good reminder to take action and complete your mammogram, an effective screening tool that takes an X-ray of the breasts to detect cancer at its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new cancer cases and is the second leading cause of death in American women. Roughly one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in 39 will die from it.
When breast cancer is found early, patients are three times more likely to live beyond five years compared to those diagnosed at a later stage. This is why it's important to be screened before symptoms appear.
Mayo Clinic recommends screening mammograms yearly for all women starting at age 40. However, when to begin screening depends on your personal health and family history. Talk with your doctor about the right time to schedule your first mammogram and how often to be screened.
Most health insurance policies cover the cost of a screening mammogram. Contact your insurance provider or state health department if you're concerned about the price. There are programs available to help.
Don't wait! Schedule your mammogram screening today by contacting your primary care office or scheduling directly through your patient portal.