Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the US besides skin cancer, according to 2026 statistics from the American Cancer Society. The ACA indicates that a woman’s chance of developing cancer in their lifetime is 13%, representing 1 in 8 women.
Additionally, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women after lung cancer. The median age at diagnosis is 63, although 10% of those diagnosed are younger than 45.
The key to successful outcomes is screening and early diagnosis. The guidelines for breast cancer screening have been adjusted in recent years, including an earlier recommended age to start screening and revised average risk vs. high risk criteria/guidelines, as well as per frequency of mammograms and age to stop screening. A number of variations on screening guidelines exist among recognized medical organizations/societies.
You can review 2026 recommendations from the American College of Physicians and the American Cancer Society using the links below. As always, discuss recommendations and decision-making with your medical provider.
There is new guidance from the American College of Physicians that all average-risk females aged 50-74 should undergo biennial mammography screenings. Click the link to find out more: https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/new-guidance-from-acp-says-all-average-risk-females-aged-50-74-should-undergo-biennial-mammography
You may also download more information from the American Cancer Society to learn more about breast cancer. Stay informed!
