By: Signature Healthcare Communications Team
Every October, communities across the country come together for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor survivors, support those in treatment, and importantly, raise awareness about early detection and prevention.
At Signature Healthcare, we join this effort wholeheartedly. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and while it’s a serious challenge, progress over the years has brought hope and improved outcomes.
Why Awareness Matters Now
Early detection remains one of our greatest tools in fighting breast cancer. The American Cancer Society emphasizes that screening tests can find cancer before symptoms appear — when treatment is most effective.
When breast cancer is found early, and is still localized, the 5‑year relative survival rate is about 99 %. That’s powerful — it underscores how routine screenings and vigilance can really make a difference.
Still, breast cancer also knows many risk factors, including age, family history, obesity, and alcohol use. The National Cancer Institute supports research into how screening and prevention strategies can be improved to reduce disparities in care.
What to Know & Actions You Can Take
Here are a few key steps families can take this October:
– Know what’s normal for you. Watch for changes like lumps, thickening, dimpling, nipple changes, or skin irritation.
– Keep up with recommended screenings. Mammograms remain a cornerstone of detection for many individuals.
– Work with your provider if you have risk factors. If you have a strong family history or other heightened risks, your care team may suggest earlier or more frequent screening.
– Adopt preventive habits. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and discussing hormone therapy risks are all part of prevention discussions.
How Signature Healthcare Supports You
While Signature may not perform every specialized breast cancer service in every facility, we are committed to guiding patients toward quality care. That means helping you:
– Connect with trusted imaging and breast health specialists
– Access timely screenings through community programs
– Coordinate follow‑up care and support when more advanced evaluation is needed
This October, we encourage everyone to take a small, but significant step: schedule your screening (or remind a loved one), educate yourself about breast health, and share awareness. Together, we can foster a community where early detection and support are always within reach.
If you or someone you know needs guidance on scheduling mammograms or navigating breast health services, reach out to our care coordination team — we’re here to help.
Community Voices for Health 