Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Time to Check In

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to make sure you're up-to-date with your routine screenings. They are the most effective tool against breast cancer, since they can find cancer early when it's generally most treatable. In fact, breast cancer is 99% survivable when it's found before it spreads.¹

What causes breast cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, breast cancer is often influenced by:²

• Age: Being 55 or older increases your risk for breast cancer
• Sex: Women are much more likely to develop breast cancer than men
• Genetics: Having a family history of breast cancer or a DNA change that increases your risk of breast cancer

How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by:³

• Following guidelines to ensure you're getting the right screening for your unique body
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active

What should I look out for?

The MD Anderson Cancer Center recommends paying attention if you notice:³

• A lump or thickening in the breast that feels different
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A dimpling to the skin over the breast

What else should I know?

People with certain DNA changes are at increased risk for breast cancer—but that doesn't mean that they will definitely develop cancer in their lifetimes.⁴ Instead, it means that additional screening and awareness is needed.

If you have questions about the best screening plan for your unique body, talk to your healthcare provider. If you're not sure how to start that conversation, contact us to schedule a call with the navigation team. We're here to help you feel confident in your screening plan.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Breast Cancer. Revised January 13, 2026. Accessed June 30, 2026 at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html
2. Mayo Clinic. Breast Cancer. Revised September 1, 2026. Accessed September 10, 2026 at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
3. UT MD Anderson. Breast Cancer. Accessed September 10, 2026 at: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancer-types/breast-cancer.html
4. Kuchenbaecker KB, Hopper JL, Barnes DR, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(23):2402–2416. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7112