When most people think of breast cancer awareness, their minds immediately go to October, the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink ribbons, community walks, and social media campaigns flood our feeds. While these efforts are powerful, one important message often gets lost: breast cancer awareness doesn’t begin and end in October, it’s a year-round commitment.
Why Screening Saves Lives
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime. The good news? When detected early, breast cancer has a 99% five-year survival rate.
That’s why regular screening, through self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms, is so critical. Early detection allows for more treatment options, less invasive procedures, and better outcomes.
Screening Guidelines to Know
• Self-Awareness: Know what’s normal for your breasts. Perform regular self-checks and report any changes to your provider.
• Clinical Breast Exam: Many healthcare providers recommend exams every 1–3 years for women in their 20s and 30s, and annually after age 40.
• Mammograms: Most guidelines suggest starting annual or biennial mammograms at age 40, but women with a family history or genetic risk may need to start earlier.
Always talk with your provider to personalize a screening plan based on your health history and risk factors.
Awareness Beyond October
While October shines a spotlight on breast cancer, the disease doesn’t pause the other 11 months of the year. New cases are diagnosed every day, and patients continue treatment long after the pink ribbons are packed away.
Keeping breast health top of mind year-round means:
• Scheduling annual screenings (and keeping them).
• Educating others—remind friends and family that early detection saves lives.
• Supporting patients and survivors in your community, not just during awareness month.
Taking Action Today
If you haven’t scheduled your mammogram or clinical breast exam this year, consider this your reminder. Whether it’s October or March, your health can’t wait.
At IMTeleDoctor, we encourage women to prioritize preventive care and empower themselves with knowledge. Awareness isn’t seasonal, it’s lifesaving.
