Take Charge of Your Breast Health Today

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and strengthen our collective commitment to early detection and prevention. In 2025, new screening guidelines, insurance protections, and research insights are helping women take even more control over their breast health.

Understanding the New Screening Recommendations

This year, several major health organizations have updated their breast cancer screening guidelines to reflect the latest prevention and early detection science. These changes aim to save more lives—especially among younger women and Black women, who face higher risks and disparities in outcomes.

Here’s what’s new:

• Ages 40–74 (average risk): The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends screening mammograms every two years starting at age 40—a decade earlier than before. This shift could save nearly 20% more lives.

• Ages 45–54 (average risk): The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends annual mammograms, with the option to start at age 40. After 55, women may continue yearly or switch to every two years.

• High-risk women: Those with Breast Cancer Type 1 Susceptibility Protein 1 or 2 BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, dense breast tissue, or a strong family history may need annual MRIs and mammograms, often beginning at age 30.

• Insurance updates: Beginning in 2026, new federal rules may require insurance plans to cover follow-up diagnostic imaging—including additional mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs—without cost-sharing. Coverage will also include patient navigation services to help guide women through follow-up care.

What You Need to Know About Breast Density

In 2025, the FDA is enforcing a new rule requiring mammography centers to notify patients if they have dense breast tissue—a crucial step toward personalized screening.

• Why it matters: Dense tissue not only raises the risk of breast cancer but can also make tumors more difficult to detect on standard mammograms.

• What to do: If your results show dense breasts, talk with your doctor about whether supplemental screening—such as an ultrasound or MRI—is right for you. This change empowers women to make informed decisions about their care.

Know the Symptoms: Listen to Your Body

Even with regular screenings, being alert to changes in your breasts is key. Contact your health care provider if you notice:

• A new lump or swelling in the breast or underarm.

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.

• Thickening or changes in breast size or shape.

• Nipple inversion, discharge, or tenderness.

• Pain in any area of the breast.

Early detection saves lives—and self-awareness is essential to that process.

Seven Ways to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk

The good news? Research shows practical lifestyle choices can lower your risk and improve overall health.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

After menopause, excess fat tissue increases estrogen levels, which can fuel certain breast cancers. Even modest, sustained weight loss can make a difference.

2. Get Regular Physical Activity

Aim for at least 150–300 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity (like cycling) each week. Exercise helps regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immunity.

3. Limit or Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol increases estrogen levels and produces a carcinogenic byproduct called acetaldehyde. For prevention, no alcohol is best—but if you drink, limit yourself to one drink per day.

4. Choose a Plant-Based, Nutrient-Rich Diet

Fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats such as nuts, olive oil, and fish. Reduce red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is linked to higher breast cancer risk, particularly for premenopausal women. Quitting brings immediate and long-term health benefits.

6. Breastfeed if You Can

Studies show breastfeeding for several months can lower a woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer.

7. Evaluate Hormone Therapy Carefully

Long-term use of combined hormone replacement therapy may increase risk. Discuss non-hormonal options with your health care provider.

The Bottom Line

With updated screening guidelines, expanded insurance protections, and a growing understanding of risk factors, women in 2025 have more tools than ever to safeguard their breast health. The most important step is staying informed, proactive, and connected with your health care team.

Early detection saves lives—and knowledge is the first step.