More Than a Statistic: The Human Side of Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to come together to raise awareness, honor those affected, and focus on what we can do to change the future. One statistic captures the urgency: breast cancer accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S.¹

That number is more than a data point. It means nearly every family, community, or workplace knows someone touched by breast cancer. Behind the statistic are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends whose lives are changed in an instant by a diagnosis.

Progress in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

While the prevalence of breast cancer is high, there’s reason for hope. Since 1989, the death rate from breast cancer has dropped by 44%, thanks to advances in screening and treatment.¹ Earlier detection through mammography, improved therapies, and growing awareness have saved countless lives.

Yet, challenges remain. Some groups, particularly Black women and American Indian and Alaska Native women,continue to face higher mortality rates, often due to differences in access to care. Closing these gaps is essential to ensuring progress benefits everyone equally.

Why “1 in 3” Matters

The statistic is striking on its own, but its true power is in what it inspires us to do:

• Raise awareness. When people understand how common breast cancer is, they are more likely to prioritize screenings and share resources with loved ones.
• Encourage prevention and early detection. Regular mammograms, self-awareness of breast changes, and genetic testing when appropriate can all help detect breast cancer earlier when it’s most treatable.
• Drive advocacy and equity. The “1 in 3” figure serves as a reminder that we require ongoing research, policies that enhance access to care, and a focus on eliminating disparities in outcomes.

Turning Awareness Into Action

Awareness months are powerful because they encourage collective action. This October, here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Schedule your screening. If you or a loved one is due for a mammogram, make the appointment.
• Share the statistic. Let others know that breast cancer makes up nearly a third of all new female cancers. Sometimes, a single fact is enough to spark someone into action.
• Support those impacted. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply being present for someone in treatment, small acts of support have a ripple effect.
• Advocate for access. Use your voice to support policies and organizations that work toward equitable cancer care for all communities.

A Future with Fewer Diagnoses

The reality that 1 in 3 women diagnosed with cancer will face breast cancer is daunting, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Advances in science, growing awareness, and stronger support systems are helping shift the trajectory.

Every action, no matter how small, contributes to progress. By spreading awareness, encouraging screenings, and supporting those affected, we can turn that statistic into hope for a future where fewer women hear the words, “You have breast cancer.”

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Source:

¹ American Cancer Society. (2025, May 5). Breast cancer statistics: How common is breast cancer? Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html