October is a reminder that awareness and early detection save lives. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 316,950 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, along with 59,080 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ. An estimated 42,680 people will die from the disease. These numbers are serious, yet death rates have continued to decline over time because of improved screening and treatment.

Why this month matters

Breast Cancer Awareness Month began as a movement to promote screening and education. It continues to bring focus to risk, early detection, treatment advances, and survivorship, while shining a light on research that drives progress.

Screening is changing

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends biennial mammography for all women ages 40 to 74. For many health systems and programs, this update shifted coverage and outreach to begin at 40, which increases the potential for earlier detection. Clinicians should confirm local workflows, ensure timely follow-up after abnormal results, and help patients understand the benefits and potential harms of screening.

Equity cannot wait

Incidence rates among Black and White women are similar, yet Black women have about a 38 percent higher likelihood of dying from breast cancer and face an earlier onset of aggressive disease. Tackling this gap requires culturally responsive education, navigation support, prompt workups, and access to high-quality treatment.

What is new in imaging

Digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) improves cancer detection and lowers recall rates in many settings compared with standard digital mammography. Recent studies also suggest fewer advanced cancers in some higher-risk groups when tomosynthesis is used. Facilities should match technology to patient risk and breast density, and teams should educate patients about what to expect.

The role of every care team member

• Promote on-time screening and follow-up. Help patients schedule mammograms at age-appropriate intervals and close loops on abnormal results.
• Assess risk and communicate clearly. Family history, genetics, prior chest radiation, and breast density influence risk and screening choices. Use plain language and shared decision-making.
• Advance equity. Partner with community groups, expand navigation, and streamline referrals to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
• Support survivors. Address late effects, mental health, return-to-work, and ongoing surveillance, and connect patients to reputable resources.

At Accountable Healthcare, we stand with every clinician, navigator, technologist, and survivor whose work and courage move this mission forward. Your counsel at the bedside, your reminders at discharge, and your persistence in follow-up make a measurable difference. Awareness starts conversations, and conversations lead to action.

---

Sources

• American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025.
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement: Breast Cancer Screening (April 30, 2024).
• CDC WTC Health Program. Update to Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines (May 17, 2024).
• American Cancer Society Press Room. Cancer Statistics for African American and Black People, 2025.
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
• JAMA Oncology. Tomosynthesis vs Digital Mammography in Women With a Family History of Breast Cancer.
• National Library of Medicine (PMC). Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Update on Technology and Clinical Evidence.
• Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis or Digital Mammography.