Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In 2023, of all invasive cancer types, breast cancer was the most common among women, with 10,692 new cases diagnosed among females in Ohio, according to the latest statistics available.

"Although breast cancer isn't always preventable, being proactive can make a world of difference," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). "Prevention and early detection are key to protecting our health, and it starts with knowing the facts."

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of invasive cancer for women in Ohio. Women are almost 100 times more likely than men to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Most breast cancers are found in women aged 55 and older.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) in the United States, a good time to learn about breast health, early detection, and the many resources available to prevent or combat the disease. Since 1989, increased awareness through campaigns like BCAM have helped reduce breast cancer deaths in the United States by 44%.

Risk Factors and Prevention

While you can't change all your potential risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history or age, you can lower your risk by engaging in healthy activities:

• Stay physically active.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Breastfeed (when possible).

More information on preventable and non-preventable risk factors can be found in this downloadable ODH document, Cancer Risk Factors.

How Can I Detect Breast Cancer Early?

The five-year relative survival probability for female breast cancer in Ohio is nearly 100% for cases diagnosed at the earliest stage, but only 32% when diagnosed at the latest stage. Therefore, early detection is the key to survival for breast cancer. Women ages 40 to 74 and at average risk for breast cancer are recommended to have a mammogram every other year, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best screening recommendation for you.

The Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP)

ODH's Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) offers low- or no-cost breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to qualified individuals. Additionally, BCCP helps guide women through the healthcare system, find providers and community resources, and answer questions about scheduling, insurance, and so much more.

Since the program began in 1994, BCCP has provided breast services to more than 124,000 women. In grant year 2026 alone, 9,750 women received breast services through the program. BCCP records also show more than 4,200 women have been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer or DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) through the end of grant year 2026.

For more information about BCCP or to see if you qualify for low- or no-cost screenings, call 1-844-430-BCCP (2227).

"The Breast and Cervical Cancer Project is an extraordinary program that can change lives," said Dr. DiOrio. "We are grateful to have served so many women over our 32 years and look forward to continuing to provide these services."

Additional Resources: