October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Group is a coalition of Veterans, state agencies/leaders and mental health professionals committed to raising awareness and implementing programs aimed at Veteran suicide prevention.
Every month we will highlight a national health or awareness theme, providing brief information and resources to help Veterans, families, and communities stay informed and connected to important issues affecting their well-being.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to promoting screening, educating communities, and reducing risk for a disease that affects 2.4 million women worldwide.
The World Health Organization notes that 99% of breast cancers occur in women and 0.5–1% occur in men. And per the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. In fact, breast cancer among younger military women has been found to be 20% to 40% higher than the general population.
Breast cancer can occur at any age after puberty, with incidence increasing later in life. Routine screening remains one of the most effective tools for early detection. Getting screened can make the difference between detecting cancer early—when treatment is most effective—and detecting it only after it has spread.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in October 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Its purpose was to educate women about breast health, early detection, and routine mammograms. In 2008, the United States expanded the observance to a full month to support sustained outreach and education.
Purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is twofold:
- Raising Awareness: Educate and inform the public about breast cancer, its risk factors, and the benefits of early screening and prevention against it.
- Promoting Open Dialogue: Talking openly about the importance of receiving routine mammograms, and early detection and treatment, with the intention of improving the survival rates of those affected.
The pink ribbon—now synonymous with breast cancer awareness—originated from a peach‑colored ribbon created by Charlotte Haley in 1991.
She was asked to brand her ribbon for breast cancer awareness by Self Magazine and the Estée Lauder cosmetics company, but declined to do so. So the companies created the now-iconic brighter pink ribbons that are seen in marketing campaigns today instead. Estée Lauder distributed 1.5 million pink ribbons in 1992, establishing the symbol as a national hallmark of awareness efforts.
Early Detection and Screening Recommendations
The American Cancer Society provides age‑based recommendations for routine breast cancer screening:
- Women ages 40–44: Have the option to begin annual mammograms
- Women ages 45–54: Annual mammograms are recommended
- Women 55 and older: May switch to mammograms every other year or continue annual screening
* Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health
Know the Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms vary and may appear in combination. Common symptoms include:
- Breast lump or thickening, often without pain
- Changes in breast size, shape or appearance
- Skin changes — dimpling, redness, pitting
- Changes in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
- Abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple
People with an abnormal breast lump should seek medical care, even if the lump does not hurt.
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but any abnormal lump warrants medical evaluation. Cancerous lumps are more successfully treated when detected early, before spreading to lymph nodes. The most common early site of spread is the axillary lymph nodes, though affected nodes are not always detectable by touch.
Addressing Screening Barriers
Many individuals face barriers that make breast cancer screening feel overwhelming. Common concerns include fear of the screening process, difficulty navigating the healthcare system, lack of insurance, or past negative experiences. While each barrier is real and valid, practical strategies can help make screening more accessible and less intimidating. Here are three tips to overcoming barriers:
South Carolina's Best Chance Network provides free cervical and breast screenings to qualifying individuals. You can visit their site to see if you qualify for a free screening, or learn more about where and how to get the care you deserve.
Other Tip Include:
1. Bring a Trusted Support Person - Having a trusted friend or family member accompany you can reduce anxiety and make the experience feel more manageable. Support can help with transportation, paperwork, and emotional reassurance.
2. Women Encouraging Women - Peer encouragement is powerful. Women advocating for other women—whether in families, workplaces, faith communities, or social networks—can help normalize screening and reduce stigma or fear.
3. Get Educated - Understanding what a mammogram is, how it works, and why early detection matters can reduce fear of the unknown. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions and ask questions confidently.
Note: These guidelines are general recommendations. Individuals should talk with their healthcare provider to determine what is appropriate for their personal health circumstances. A clinician can help address concerns, discuss risk factors, and tailor screening plans accordingly.
Source:
Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences Genetics Coordinating Center
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