New York State Department of Health Recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One in Eight Females Will Develop Breast Cancer in Their Lifetime

Mammograms Are the Best Way to Find Breast Cancer Early

Begin Screening at Age 40

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 23, 2024) - The New York State Department of Health recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourages regular screening for early detection. Each year, communities come together to show their support for those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness about the disease.

"During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year, it's important to raise awareness and to encourage people to get regular mammograms as the cancer can more easily be treated if caught early," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Get a mammogram at age 40 and repeat every two years."

State Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne said, "As a breast cancer survivor, I stand with so many New Yorkers who have developed breast cancer; those who have beat this disease and those we have lost. Anyone affected by breast cancer can tell you the profound impact it has on your life, and so I urge people to routinely practice self-exams, get mammograms as recommended and talk with your health care provider early and often. Early detection saves lives."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. and New York females. One in eight females will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and in New York State, nearly 16,700 new cases and 2,500 deaths from breast cancer are recorded each year. Risk of breast cancer increases with age and varies across racial groups. Black females are more likely to have breast cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage and die from the disease.

Males also get breast cancer, however, it is very rare. About 1 in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in males. Most breast cancers are found in females who are 50 years or older, but breast cancer also affects younger females.

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat and before there are any signs or symptoms of a problem. The United States Preventive Services Task Force now recommends having a screening mammogram every other year beginning at age 40 and continuing through age 74. This recommendation is for females, people with dense breasts, people with a family history of breast cancer, and transgender men and non-binary persons assigned female at birth. People who have certain risk factors, such as a genetic marker associated with a high risk of breast cancer (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2), previous breast cancer, or breast lesion, may need to be screened earlier or more often. People should talk with their doctor about their risk for breast cancer and when they should start screening.

Individuals should be familiar with how their breasts look and feel which can help detect symptoms such as lumps, pain or concerning changes in size. These could include changes found during a breast self-exam. Report any changes to your health care provider.

New York State has some of the most comprehensive laws to remove financial barriers to breast cancer screening. New Yorkers with health insurance policies covered by New York State law do not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for screening tests and diagnostic imaging. Learn more about the New York State Breast Cancer Screening Law here.

The Department is committed to reducing disparities by making sure all New Yorkers can get breast cancer screening, follow-up tests, treatment if necessary, and survivorship support.

Free breast cancer screening and follow-up tests are available through the New York State Cancer Services Program (CSP) to people without health insurance and who qualify. To find a nearby program, visit here or call (866) 442-2262.

If cancer is found, treatment at no cost is available through the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program to those who qualify. For people who have finished treatment and need support, New York State funds Post-Treatment Support Services for Breast Cancer Survivors in select counties. Search here to find a program.

In addition, the Community Cancer Prevention in Action program works with New York State employers to implement workplace policies to provide employees with paid time off for cancer screening. The New York State Cancer Consortium is a network of more than 400 organizations working together to reduce the burden of cancer through strategies that promote cancer prevention, education, and screening.

There are different symptoms of breast cancer and some people have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. If you have any signs, see your doctor right away. Symptoms may include:

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood)
• A new lump in the breast or underarm

All cisgender women, persons assigned female at birth (including transgender men and nonbinary persons), and transwomen who currently use or have taken hormones should be aware of their personal risk for breast cancer and decide, with their health care provider, when to start screening. The National LGBT Cancer Network provides information about breast cancer risk, screening, and survivorship support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals.

In addition to getting older, other factors that may affect your chance of getting breast cancer include genetic mutations, having dense breasts, personal and family history, and more.

Actions to take to help lower breast cancer risk include the following:

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly
• Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink alcohol in moderation
• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks
• Breastfeed your children, if possible

Research suggests that other factors such as smoking, being exposed to chemicals that can cause cancer, and changes in other hormones due to night shift working also may increase breast cancer risk.

The Department closely monitors screening behaviors in New York State to identify disparities and the need to focus education and services to individuals not up to date with cancer screening.

A new state-specific report found that:

• An estimated 79.4% of females 50-74 years of age were up to date with breast cancer screening recommendations, approaching the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80.5%
• The slight increase in reported screening followed previous declines consistent with national findings, likely due to health-care disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Lower screening rates were reported among individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, those without health insurance, and those lacking a regular healthcare provider.
• Screening was less likely to be reported among those who currently smoke cigarettes and those who did not report any physical activity in the past 30 days.
• Of those who reported not having received a mammogram within the past two years, 95.8% (an estimated 511,900 females) were insured and 87.5% (an estimated 476,300 females) had a regular health care provider, representing missed opportunities for screening.

More information on breast cancer, including treatment and resources, can be found here.

More information about New York State cancer statistics and helpful reports can be found here.