The month of October is coming to an end, but breast cancer awareness and early screenings are encouraged all year long. 

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. About one in 726 men will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. 

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. 

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley shared his thoughts on the importance of the month and early detection,  “I am fortunate enough to have a wife of 38 years. She had breast cancer way back then, and she’s still alive. So I think the doctors at that particular time took care of her. She is a great advocate for prevention of breast cancer, and that means early detection, and means mammograms on a regular basis.”   

Routine screenings are recommended to begin at age 40. At-home breast self-exams should be done monthly.