October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and across the world pink ribbons are worn to support awareness and fundraising efforts. This year, the global theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “No-one Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” which highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to combatting the disease.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the US, and approximately 1 in 8 will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. In 2024, approximately 370,000+ new cancer cases will be diagnosed and approximately 42,000+ breast cancer-related deaths are estimated. However, with improved treatment and early detection rates, the breast cancer death rate has fallen 44% since 1989.
Breast Cancer Fact Sheet, from the American Cancer Society, is available on this page.
Though impossible to eliminate entirely, there are some ways to decrease your risk factors for developing breast cancer, including avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle, and using care with hormone replacement therapies or oral contraceptives.
Current guidelines suggest that women with average risk receive screening mammograms every other year from ages 40 to 74. For those with higher-than-average risk, guidelines suggest annual mammograms beginning at age 30 and annual breast MRIs from ages 25 to 35.
It is also important to do periodic self-exams in between mammograms, which involves at-home monitoring of the look and feel of the breast tissue. If you discover any changes, including sore spots, lumps, differences in skin appearance, or discharge, contact your doctor right away.
Review this page for a guide and video on how to perform self-exams.
The MEA encourages our members to take an active role in their health. Not sure where to start for breast-related healthcare? Check out this page for guidance on seeking care from one of the many high-quality medical professionals throughout the NYC Health + Hospitals system.