Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Schedule a Screening!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a worldwide annual campaign to increase awareness and to promote regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the U.S. and in NH. 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.

Early detection provides the best chance of successful treatment and cure. Over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to advances in screening, detection and treatment.

The United States Preventative Services Taskforce recommends screening every two years for women ages 50-74, with average risk for breast cancer. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Some women may need to begin screening at a younger age due to personal or family health history or based on a doctor’s recommendation.

Individuals can help reduce their cancer risk by practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day
• Talk to your doctor about family health history and other ways to lower cancer risk

The New Hampshire Healthy Lives Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) aims to reduce mortality rates through the early detection of breast and cervical cancer among NH residents. Services are offered at many health care sites, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices, throughout New Hampshire. 

The BCCP provides FREE breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to:

• Individuals age 21-64 years old;
• Who have no health insurance or insurance that does not cover 100% of the cost of screening or diagnostic tests; and
• With family incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level .

Call (603) 271-4931 for the State BCCP office, or contact a specific location most convenient to you, for additional information .

Additional Resources:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast Cancer.org