Resident of the Month – October 2025

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common nonskin cancer in women, and accounts for 30% of new cancer diagnoses in the United States every year. One in Eight women will receive this diagnosis in her lifetime, which is approximately one women every two minutes.

All women are at risk of breast cancer, and this risk increases with age, but there are certain factors that may increase one woman's risk compared to others. Familial history, especially BRCA1/BRCA2 gene carrier status, is a notable factor to consider. Lifetime estrogen exposure is also to be considered, which is higher in those who have never been pregnant, never breastfed, or had an earlier onset of menstruation. Obesity is another one of many risk factors to consider.

Current screening guidelines recommend yearly mammography beginning at age 40. If you have an immediate relative diagnosed with breast cancer before 50, then mammography should begin at the age ten years before their age of diagnosis. If you are under 30 and need screening due to family history, breast MRI and ultrasound imaging could be considered.

Breast cancer can affect any woman. Ultimately, individual risk factors for breast cancer should be discussed with your physician team. If you have any concerns about your breast health, your risk, or when to begin screening, discuss with your primary care doctor.