Oct. is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we join the global community in reflecting on a disease that affects so many each year. Did you know that it is the most common type of non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American women? In 2025, it is estimated that over 300,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. For all of these reasons and more, let’s take time this month to learn more about the risk factors and prevention strategies supported by research.

Risk Factors:

• Age – Risk increases with age, especially after menopause.

• Gender – Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men, though men are still susceptible. An estimated 2,800 men are expected to be diagnosed in 2025.

• Genetics – A family history of the disease increases risk. Approximately 5–10% of all breast cancer diagnoses are hereditary.

• Personal History - Previous breast cancer or other non-cancerous breast conditions (e.g., atypical hyperplasia, LCIS, DCIS) raise the risk.

Prevention:

• Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active – Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate (or 75 minutes of high-intensity) exercise per week.

• Avoid tobacco use – Studies show that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer, especially for premenopausal women.

• Breastfeed if possible - breastfeeding has been shown to potentially lower the risk of breast cancer, especially when continued for 12 months or more.

• Get regular screenings – Aim for mammograms every 2 years after age 40, and annually if you have significant risk factors.