October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to honor and recognize those who are affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer among women but affects men as well. Malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast that spread throughout the body. Cancer grows when damaged cells multiply, which accelerates the growth of tumors and blood vessels that carry cancer to other areas of the body. Symptoms include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in size or shape of the breast, redness or swelling, nipple discharge, and pain in the breast or armpit.
Breast cancer is normally diagnosed through mammogram, biopsy, and a physical exam. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in 2025, approximately 316,950 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A recorded one in eight women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifeline. The risk of breast cancer increases with age and exposure of breast tissue to estrogen made by the bottle, old age at first birth or never given birth, drinking alcohol, obesity, and not getting enough exercise.
While there is no definite cause of breast cancer, researchers have developed ways to detect breast cancer. Through research and growing knowledge of breast cancer, researchers are able to make new treatments and therapies. However, the treatment of male breast cancer has been largely based on the studies conducted on women with breast cancer. Researchers from JAMA Oncology reported the survival rate for men with breast cancer is only 77.6%. Many of the men diagnosed with breast cancer were diagnosed with advanced-stage disease
Treatments depend on the type of cancer, stage, and individual patient factors. Treatments include: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Survival rates in high-income developed countries exceed 90% while in less developed countries like South Africa are 40%. The unequal access to early detection and technology for treatments play a big role in whether or not a patient is going to survive.
How do you get involved? Common ways to get involved for Breast Cancer Awareness Month are supporting local organizations through sharing others’ stories to inspire, donations or volunteering, advocating for policies that improve access to breast cancer treatments, and organizing your own awareness events in your community.
