Establish good breast health habits during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Oct. 9, 2025
Fast Facts:
- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early; combine regular self-checks with annual mammograms for good breast health
- Healthy diet, regular exercise associated with decreased risk of breast cancer
- Though rare, men can also get breast cancer
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LITTLE ROCK — The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, more than 315,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer. During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, extension health experts say it’s critical to establish good breast health habits, which include regular self-checks and annual mammograms.
“Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early,” said Nina Roofe, assistant vice president of family and consumer sciences for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Awareness campaigns by the American Cancer Society highlight the importance of regular screenings, such as mammograms and monthly self-breast exams, and the importance of seeking medical attention if they notice symptoms.”
According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. This is why regular self-checks “improve a woman’s breast awareness, so she knows what is normal for her body,” Roofe said.
“This awareness helps inform her if there is a change in the look and feel of her breasts, such as lumps, nipple discharge, redness, dimpling, or nipple changes that could indicate a health concern,” Roofe said. “Combining regular self-checks with annual mammograms is a proven strategy to practice good breast health.”
Mammogram information
“A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts using low dose radiation to make an image of the breast tissue,” Roofe said. “A radiologist reviews the images for calcifications, masses and other changes in breast tissue or density. Since the results are digitized and stored as part of a woman’s medical record, the radiologist can compare each year’s mammogram results to previous years to see if anything has changed.”
According to the American Cancer Society, women at average risk of breast cancer — meaning she has no personal or family history of breast cancer or the genetic mutation associated with breast cancer — should get a screening mammogram between the ages of 40 and 44. Women aged 45-54 should get a yearly mammogram.
Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every two years, or they can continue yearly screening. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years, according to the American Cancer Society.
Decades of research have shown that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer found earlier, are less likely to need aggressive treatments — such as surgery to remove the entire breast and chemotherapy — and are more likely to be cured.
Lifestyle habits
A healthy diet is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, according to a 2022 article published in the Frontiers in Public Health Journal
“Saturated fats, red meat and processed meat increase levels of ingested estrogens and inflammatory compounds, which support the development of breast cancer,” Roofe said. “Polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and fresh fruits and vegetables have antioxidant and phytochemical compounds that protect against breast cancer. Alcohol is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society, other lifestyle-related risks for breast cancer include excess body weight, especially after menopause; not being physically active; getting hormone therapy after menopause with estrogen and progesterone therapy; never having children or having a first child after age 30; and certain types of birth control.
“Regular physical activity plays a role in breast cancer prevention and recurrence,” Roofe said. “The American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity each week.”
Along with cardiovascular physical activity, a 2021 article in Breast Care reported resistance training in breast cancer patients showed decreased loss of muscle strength, fatigue, negative chemotherapy symptoms and loss of quality of life.
A 2022 article in the Cancer Medicine Journal also reported that the risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3 percent for every 12 months of breastfeeding.
BRCA genetic mutations
For those with a family history of cancer, taking a genetic test to look for abnormal changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can help determine cancer risk.
“A BRCA mutation is associated with an increased risk of reproductive cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostrate, as well as pancreatic cancer,” Roofe said. “Think of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes as tumor suppressors. We all have these genes, which produce proteins that repair damaged DNA and control cell growth.
“When these genes are mutated, the genes can’t do their intended jobs, and cancer cells are free to grow and divide,” Roofe said. “When the tumor suppressor doesn’t work, cells can grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer.”
Roofe recommended talking with your physician about your individual health and risk factors, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. “A genetic counselor can guide you through your family history and genetic testing if needed,” Roofe said.
Breast cancer in males
Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of all breast cancer. But a 2021 article in the Official Journal of the European Society of Pathology states that incidence of male breast cancer has increased worldwide, and that men generally present with breast cancer at an older age compared with women.
Roofe said that because of its rare occurrence, it is easier for male breast cancer to be overlooked and go undetected.
“Because it is not as common, detection and diagnosis of male breast cancer may be later, leading to less positive outcomes,” Roofe said. “There is also a social stigma around male breast health, which leads to men not always recognizing there is an issue and seeking medical support promptly.
“Increasing public awareness about male breast cancer, open and honest conversation about male breast health, and training for healthcare providers to recognize the signs can help change this situation,” Roofe said.
Supporting someone with breast cancer
Bryce Daniels, extension assistant professor of health for the Division of Agriculture, shared seven practical steps to help support someone with breast cancer.
- Practice active listening. “Be present and allow your loved ones to express their emotions,” Daniels said. “Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Just listening can be incredibly healing.”
- Respect their coping style. While some people may want company, others will want solitude. “Let them set the tone,” Daniels said. “Avoid ‘toxic positivity’ and instead, validate their feelings and offer gentle encouragement."
- Offer practical help. Look for ways to help patients with their day-to-day responsibilities, such as chores, work or errands. “Organize a meal train with peers and offer to accompany the person to appointments if they’re comfortable with it,” he said.
- Be mindful of communication. “Avoid overwhelming them with constant check-ins,” Daniels said. “Strategically coordinate with other people in their life to space out messages or use group chats to share updates respectfully.”
- Give thoughtful gifts. Daniels said gifts like cozy blankets, journals or care packages can show love and support. “Always consider their preferences and sensitivities,” he said.
- Use supportive language. It’s important to repeat words or phrases that they have used to describe their experience, whether it’s “survivor,” “fighter” or something else. “Avoid labels they haven’t chosen themselves,” Daniels said.
- Wear pink and participate online. Daniels said wearing pink, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, is a “simple yet powerful gesture of supporting those with breast cancer.” Share survivor stories or tributes on social media using hashtags such as #ThinkPink and #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth2025.
For more information about healthy living, visit the Extension Health Programs webpage on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Rebekah Hall
rkhall@uada.edu
@RKHall_
501-671-2061