October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and early screenings are encouraged. 

For nearly four decades, the country has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually to educate everyone about breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer, and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care. 

According to the World Health Organization, in 2022, there were an estimated 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 deaths globally. Breast cancer occurs in every country of the world in women at any age after puberty but with increasing rates in later life.  

In Iowa, the rate of breast cancer has increased in the last five years according to the Centers for Disease Control, making early detection even more important. Washington County Hospital and Clinics lead mammographer Chelsea Fisher says early detection is key, “Early detection is important because, finding a cancer when it is the size of a pencil tip versus finding a cancer that you have already felt in your breast can mean a huge difference when it comes to your treatment plan, your oncology plan, and honestly your life expectancy.”  

Routine screenings are recommended to begin at age 40.