October is breast cancer awareness month. Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except skin cancer. Breast cancer is second leading cause of cancer death in American women — only second to lung cancer.

Breast cancer rates in women increased gradually for many years until the early 2000s and then decreased rapidly, coinciding with a drop in postmenopausal hormone therapy use.

One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2024, it is estimated that approximately 311,000 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

When breast cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years. On a very positive note, there are now presently over 4 million breast cancer survivors here in the United States.

Breast cancer screening can detect cancer before signs or symptoms develop. While breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stage. Regardless of your risk of breast cancer, it is important to talk with your health care provider about the best screening tests, recommendations and timelines for your breast cancer screening.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force states that women should start receiving mammograms at the age of 40. However, women at higher risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from beginning regular mammography earlier than the age of 40. Family history can impact the decision to undergo earlier breast cancer screening.

Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer can benefit from screening at an earlier age, as well as from annual breast MRIs in addition to breast mammography. The American Cancer Society recommends most women at high risk begin screening at age 30.

Your health care provider will help you assess if you are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Risk factors include a personal or family history of breast cancer, previous radiation to the chest area, and other gene mutations or health conditions.

Because of the frequency of breast cancer in the U.S., we need to follow the recommended screening guidelines. If you are at an increased risk for breast cancer and have not begun screening, see your health care provider without delay. And yes, these are definitely “Doctor’s orders.”