By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | October 19, 2025

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Why This Month Still Matters

This October marks 40 years of Breast Cancer Awareness Month — four decades of breakthroughs, bravery, and a global pink movement.

The 2025 theme, “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” is both a reflection and a rallying cry. Behind every pink ribbon is a story of survival, strength, and ongoing struggle.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the United States. About 316,000 new invasive cases are expected this year. Earlier detection, modern therapies, and awareness campaigns have improved survival rates, saving over half a million lives since 1989.

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Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow out of control. Most cases (70–80%) start in the milk ducts, while others begin in the lobules (10–15%).

When cancer spreads into nearby tissue, it becomes invasive breast cancer. If it reaches distant parts of the body — such as the lungs, liver, or bones — it becomes metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Today, about 170,000 women in the U.S. live with MBC. Though not curable, it can be managed with targeted therapies and compassionate care. Organizations like Susan G. Komen, Breastcancer.org, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation offer trusted information and support networks for patients and caregivers.

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When Breast Cancer Affects Men

Breast cancer in men is rare — less than 1% of all cases — but it does occur. The lifetime risk is about 1 in 1,000 for men, compared with 1 in 8 for women. Symptoms include a painless lump, nipple changes, or redness.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) notes that men are often diagnosed later because they’re less likely to recognize the signs.

Black men have the highest incidence and mortality rates, a disparity that experts say demands greater awareness and screening equity.

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Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Fast and Fierce

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) represents 1–5% of all diagnoses and is one of the most aggressive forms. It typically appears as redness or swelling rather than a lump.
According to the NCI, IBC progresses rapidly and is more common among younger and African American women.

Treatment involves a multimodal approach — chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Foundations like the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation are leading targeted studies to better understand and treat this form of the disease.

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The Power of Progress

Since 1989, U.S. breast-cancer deaths have declined 44%, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

That progress reflects improved screenings, expanded research, and the courage of survivors who share their stories. Still, racial and economic disparities persist — Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Closing that gap remains a central goal of the awareness movement.

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Screenings Save Lives

Early detection changes everything. The American Cancer Society and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) recommend individualized screening schedules based on age and risk.

Know the signs:

• New lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Change in breast shape or size
• Dimpling, puckering, or redness
• Nipple inversion or unusual discharge
• Pain or swelling in the breast or chest

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A Survivor’s Voice: “It’s Going to Be Alright”

For Beverly, a 24-year breast cancer survivor from North Carolina, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is far more than an annual observance — it’s a celebration of endurance, faith, and family.

She was first diagnosed in 2001 at just 48. “The mammogram caught it early,” she recalled. “I was afraid of everything — the diagnosis, the treatment, the unknown.” Before surgery, she remembers hearing her late grandmother’s voice say softly, “It’s going to be alright.”

“When I told my mother, who had also survived breast cancer, she said, ‘That’s nothing,’” Beverly laughed, remembering that first round of treatment. “My family has lived this — my mother, grandmother, my aunt, who’s now less than 30 days from 85 years strong, and even my great-grandfather. We’ve all faced it.”

Twelve years later, Beverly discovered a small lump under her arm. “I was just looking and feeling my armpits when I noticed it,” she said. “It had come back — same side, left side.” Her oncologist confirmed the cancer had returned in her lymph nodes.

This time, the treatment was more aggressive — chemotherapy, radiation, and years of medication. She credits her husband, Ted, as her constant support. He’s been my listener, my quiet presence, and my driver. When I didn’t need words, he just stayed close — and he’s become an expert tea brewer” she smiled.

One of her hardest moments came when she had to tell her then nine-year-old son. “He saw the calls and cards and said, ‘I hope you don’t have cancer.’ That opened the door for us to talk openly — to face it together.”

It has now been ten years since Beverly completed her second bout with breast cancer, including the aggressive treatment and follow-up medication regimen. This past August, her care team finally permitted her to discontinue the inhibitors.

Since that first diagnosis, Beverly has made gratitude and wellness her daily focus. “Every day, I try to live with intention and thankfulness,” she said. “Even on tough days, I remind myself: I’m still here — and that’s reason enough.”

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The 10 Screenings Women Should Know

(Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.)

Health Screening	Who Needs It	Why You Need It
Well-Woman Exam	Women 18+	Preventive check-up for overall and reproductive health.
Breast Cancer Screening	Women 40+*	Mammograms detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Cervical Cancer Screening	Women 21+*	Detects abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous.
Colorectal Cancer Screening	Women 45+*	Identifies and removes precancerous polyps to prevent colorectal cancer.
Lung Cancer Screening	Women 50+* at high risk	Detects lung cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Skin Cancer Screening	Women at high risk*	Detects early skin cancers for prompt treatment.
Cholesterol Screening	Women 40+* (can start in 20s)	Detects high cholesterol linked to heart disease and stroke.
Blood Pressure Screening	Women 18+*	Identifies hypertension, a leading risk for heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes Screening	Women with risk factors*	Detects diabetes or prediabetes before symptoms appear.
Bone Density Screening	Women 60+*	Measures bone strength to prevent fractures and osteoporosis.

• Certain factors such as family history, prior cancer, gene mutations, or other risks may require earlier or more frequent screenings. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

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Beyond Medicine: The Human Side of Healing

A breast-cancer diagnosis tests both body and spirit. Emotional and financial support are vital.
CancerCare offers free counseling and grants. Living Beyond Breast Cancer connects survivors through education and peer support. Clinical partners like Medpace Oncology continue advancing therapies to improve quality of life worldwide.

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Research and Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are shaping the future of breast cancer care. The National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Database lists open studies nationwide. Participation helps move science forward — for patients today and those yet to be diagnosed.

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Every Story Matters

From lab breakthroughs to late-night conversations in waiting rooms, every act of awareness is an act of care.

This October, honor the survivors, remember the lost, and encourage someone you love to schedule their screening. Because after 40 years, the message still holds true: every story is unique, every journey matters.

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Resources for More Information

Organization	Focus	Website
Susan G. Komen Foundation	Research, advocacy, and community support	komen.org
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.	Awareness, early detection, and education	nationalbreastcancer.org
National Cancer Institute (NCI)	Research, statistics, and trials	cancer.gov
Breastcancer.org	Patient education and treatment support	breastcancer.org
Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)	Global breast-cancer research funding	bcrf.org
CancerCare	Counseling, grants, and support	cancercare.org
Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)	Survivor education and peer network	lbbc.org
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation	Prevention and research innovation	drsusanloveresearch.org
Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation	Research, education, and patient care	lynnsage.org

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