Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings renewed attention to a disease that affects millions of people and families. Awareness is important, but it becomes most meaningful when it leads to action.ย
One of the most important steps you can take is understanding your risk and staying current with recommended mammograms.ย
The statistics behind the reminder
About 13% of women in the United States, or approximately 1 in 8, will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2026, an estimated 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 42,140 women will die from the disease. Breast cancer also affects men: an estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 530 will die from the disease in 2026.ย
These numbers are significant, but they also reinforce why early detection matters. The five-year relative survival rate is 100% when female breast cancer is found before it has spread beyond the breast. That rate decreases to 33.8% when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.ย
A mammogram can help detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt or other symptoms appear. Finding cancer earlier may provide more treatment options and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.ย
When should you get a mammogram?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer receive a mammogram every two years.ย
Your individual screening schedule may be different based on your personal or family health history, genetic factors, breast density or previous test results. Talk with your health care provider about when you should begin screening and how often you should receive a mammogram.ย
People at higher risk may need to begin screening earlier or receive additional testing, such as a breast MRI. Screening decisions for women 75 and older should also be made in consultation with a health care provider.ย
Know what is normal for you
Mammograms are an important screening tool, but it is also important to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump, nipple discharge, changes in the size or shape of a breast, skin irritation, dimpling or persistent pain.ย
Do not wait until your next scheduled mammogram to report a concerning change.ย
Take the next step
At Compassus, we believe person-centered care begins with understanding what matters most to each individual. Taking preventive steps and staying informed can help advance well-being and support quality of life.ย
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to review your screening history:ย
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- If you are due for a mammogram, schedule your appointment.ย
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- If you are unsure when you were last screened, contact your health care provider.ย
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- If you have concerns about your risk, ask about the screening schedule that is right for you.ย
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- Encourage someone you care about to schedule their mammogram.ย
For those who qualify, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionโs National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings.ย
A mammogram may take only a short amount of time, but making that appointment could have a lasting impact. Talk with your healthcare provider and make a plan to get screened.ย
Sourcesย
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. โScreening for Breast Cancer.โ Sept. 22, 2026.ย
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. โNational Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.โ Feb. 20, 2026.ย
National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. โFemale Breast Cancer โ Cancer Stat Facts.โ 2026.ย
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. โBreast Cancer: Screening.โ April 30, 2024.ย
