Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters By Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons on October 14, 2025

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2025 is "Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters". This theme emphasizes that each breast cancer diagnosis is personal, highlighting the courage, resilience, and hope behind every story. It calls for compassionate, timely, and quality care for all, regardless of geography, income, or background, and recognizes the diversity of experiences related to breast cancer worldwide.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be a good reminder to learn more about breast cancer. Some good places to start might be examining your personal risk of developing the disease, giving yourself a breast exam, and scheduling your next breast cancer screenings.

Incidence of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women. Projections indicate this number will continue to rise, with a 38% increase anticipated by 2050.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Early detection of breast cancer is important because it can lead to more successful treatment and a better prognosis.

Some ways to detect breast cancer early include:

Mammograms: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect cancer before it's big enough to feel or cause symptoms. The American College of Radiology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommend that women at average risk get annual mammograms starting at age 40. Women at higher risk should get screened earlier. For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Breast self-exams: Women should perform a breast self-exam (BSE) at home once a month.

Clinical breast exams: A healthcare professional performs a clinical breast exam (CBE) to look for abnormalities and warning signs.

Other tests that can be used to detect breast cancer include breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs.

Encourage your loved ones to obtain their yearly mammograms. If you know someone fighting breast cancer, do not let them fight alone. If you have lost someone to breast cancer, honor their memory by raising breast cancer awareness.

Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons recognizes all of our wonderful breast cancer patients and their families. We want to let them know we stand with them in their fight against breast cancer. We encourage you to wear a pink breast cancer ribbon during October to honor survivors and raise breast cancer awareness.