Stronger Together for Breast Cancer Awareness

This October, we stand together to raise awareness and support one another through the power of prevention.   

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. While the reality can feel overwhelming, awareness and early action play a powerful role in saving lives. By understanding the basics, recognizing potential warning signs, and knowing the value of preventive screenings, you can take steps to protect your health and empower those around you. 

What is it? 

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. It often begins in the ducts or lobules of the breast and can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. The breast is made up of lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts (tubes that carry milk), and connective tissue. Knowing this structure can help you better understand where breast cancer begins.

Signs and symptoms 

Symptoms can look different for everyone, and in some cases they may not appear. That’s why noticing changes in your body is so important for early detection:  

• A new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) 
• Swelling or thickening in part of the breast 
• Irritation or dimpling of the skin 
• Flaky skin, redness or pain in the nipple area 
• Nipple turning inward or discharge (not breast milk) 
• Any change in breast size or shape 
• Pain in any area of the breast 

These symptoms may also be caused by conditions that aren’t cancerous. Still, if you notice any changes, talk with your provider promptly. Early evaluation makes a difference. 

Risk factors 

Breast cancer risk comes from a mix of factors. Some you can’t change, like age or family history, and some you can. The main risks include: 

• Being a woman and over the age of 50 
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer 
• Early menstrual cycles (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) 
• Being overweight or obese after menopause 
• Lifestyle habits such as physical inactivity, alcohol use, tobacco use, and taking hormones 

Knowing your risks helps you take charge of your health and make informed decisions. 

Why screening matters 

Mammograms are one of the most effective tools for early breast cancer detection. These X-ray images can find breast cancer years before symptoms appear, when it’s easiest to treat. 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendation: 

• Recommended screenings for breast cancer should be every 1-2 years starting at age 40, depending on risk factors (family history or dense breasts). 

 Talking with your provider about when to start and how often to schedule mammograms is a simple, powerful step in protecting your health.   

Healthy lifestyle choices 

Mammograms are one of the most effective tools for early breast cancer detection. These X-ray images can find breast cancer years before symptoms appear, when it’s easiest to treat. 

Daily habits can also influence breast health. Steps that may help lower risk and support overall well-being include: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight (losing as little as 5–10% improves overall health) 
• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats 
• Reducing red or processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods 
• Limiting alcohol: 1 for men and 2 per women, max 
• Avoiding tobacco 

Choosing nourishing foods with antioxidants (like citrus, broccoli, almonds, and carrots) also supports long-term health. 

Take charge of your health 

Breast cancer awareness isn’t just about understanding the facts, it’s about taking action. Whether that means scheduling your mammogram, having a conversation with your healthcare provider about risk factors, or making small lifestyle changes, each step brings you closer to better health.  

Take the next step today: Talk with your Marathon Health provider about your breast cancer screening referral. Schedule an appointment at my.marathon.health

Early detection saves lives.

Sources:
Center for Disease Control. (2024-2025). Breast cancer. CDC. Retrieved 08/14/2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (4/30/2024). Breast cancer: Screening. USPSTF. Retrieved 08/14/2025 from
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/breast-cancer-screening
Nadia B. Pietrzykowska, MD, FACP. (n.d.). Benefits of 5-10 percent weight-loss. Obesity Action Coalition. Retrieved 8/14/2025
from https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/benefits-of-5-10-percent-weight-loss/
Cleveland Clinic. (12/27/2021). Everything you need to know about antioxidants. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 8/14/2025 from
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-do-antioxidants-do
Susan G. Komen. (12/17/24). Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Alcohol. Susan G. Komen. Retrieved 8/14/2025 from
https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/alcohol-consumption/
Center for Disease Control. (6/11/2025). Tobacco and cancer. CDC. Retrieved 8/14/2025 from
https://www.cdc.gov/ cancer/risk-factors/tobacco.html