October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time not only for pink ribbons and community walks but also for lifesaving education. One of the most powerful messages of this month is clear: early detection saves lives.
Each year in the U.S., more than 297,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. While survival rates have improved over time, early detection through regular screenings remains the most effective tool in reducing deaths and improving outcomes.
Early detection means finding breast cancer before symptoms appear or before the cancer has spread. Cancers caught at an earlier stage are:
- More treatable
- Less likely to require aggressive treatment
- Linked to significantly higher survival rates
According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer (confined to the breast) is 99%. However, that rate drops to 30% when the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. The key difference? Timing.
Early detection involves a combination of:
- Routine Screening Mammograms
Mammography can detect abnormalities up to two years before a lump can be felt. It’s considered the gold standard in early detection. - Clinical Breast Exams
Performed by healthcare providers, these exams check for lumps or changes in the breast. - Breast Self-Awareness
Knowing what’s normal for your body can help identify changes early. While self-exams are not a substitute for mammograms, they play a supporting role
Recommendations on when you should start screening can vary slightly depending on your risk, but general guidelines include:
- Age 40+: Annual or biennial mammograms
- Age 50–74: At least every two years
- Under 40 with high risk: Factors include family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2), or personal history of breast conditions
In Kentucky, breast cancer remains a significant public health concern. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry, around 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and over 2,800 new cases are diagnosed annually in the state. The mortality rate in some areas of Kentucky is higher than the national average, particularly in rural regions where access to screening may be limited
To combat this, several initiatives across Central and Eastern Kentucky are expanding access to free or low-cost mammograms, especially in underserved communities. Programs like Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program (KWCSP) and mobile mammography units are making screening more accessible than ever.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a symbolic gesture — it’s a call to action. Detecting breast cancer early can be the difference between life and death. With so many tools and resources available today, no one should miss the chance to catch cancer early when it’s most treatable.
If you haven’t already, let this October be the moment you take that important step — for yourself, your family, and your future.
Need a screening in Kentucky?
Visit chfs.ky.gov to learn about eligibility for free mammograms through the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program, or call your local health department for more information.