Pink ribbons are a visible reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Awareness is a great start - but knowing your risk, paying attention to changes and getting recommended screenings can help make that awareness actionable.
Breast
cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2024, 2.4 million
women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally, according to the World Health
Organization.
About 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other
than sex and age.
Breastcancer.org reports that in the
United States, approximately 1 in 8 women - that's 13% - will develop breast
cancer during her lifetime. In 2026, an estimated 321,910 women will be
diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
Those
numbers underscore an important message during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Don't stop at wearing pink. Make breast health a priority.
A clearer picture with 3D mammography
Breast
Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to think beyond the ribbon and consider whether
you're due for a mammogram.
A
mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer in its
earliest, most treatable stages. Summit Medical Group offers both traditional
and 3D mammography, with 3D technology providing doctors with a more detailed
view of breast tissue.
Unlike
traditional mammography, which creates a single image, 3D mammography takes
multiple images of breast tissue to create a multi-layered picture. This allows
doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, helping them make a more
accurate diagnosis while reducing false positives and the need for additional
testing. It can be particularly beneficial for women with dense breasts because
its multiple, higher-quality images can make abnormalities easier to spot.
The
benefits of 3D mammography compared with traditional mammography include:
- 27% increase in the detection of all breast cancers
- 41% better detection of invasive breast cancers
- 40% decrease in false positives
Additionally,
3D mammography uses the same amount of radiation as a traditional mammogram,
takes only a few seconds longer and causes no additional discomfort.
Turn awareness into action
This
October, take the next step beyond awareness. Visit the Summit Medical Group mammography page to learn more about
early detection, how to prepare for and what to expect at your mammogram
appointment and review a full list of frequently asked questions.
Talk
with your healthcare provider about your breast cancer risk and when
mammography screening is right for you. If you're due for a screening, please
don't wait - schedule your mammogram today.