Take Charge of Your Health During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/1/2025
(Kirksville, MO) (October 1, 2025) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on lifestyle and risk factors associated with breast cancer, as well the importance of breast cancer screening. Mammogram screenings are the best way for women to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before there are symptoms. However, according to the CDC, at least 25% of women ages 50-74 have not been screened for breast cancer in the past two years.
Northeast Regional Medical Center is scheduling 3D mammography appointments throughout October and through the remainder of the year. For women of average risk, the American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40. Different guidelines apply to women at higher risk.
“The first step is for women to review the guidelines for breast cancer screening, and understand if there are any factors such as a family history of breast cancer that puts them at higher risk,” said Nancy Rourke, FNP-C, member of the medical staff at Northeast Regional Medical Group. “Whether starting at age 40 or earlier, a screening mammogram is one of the most important ways that women can take care of their health. The goal is to detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when it is easier to treat and before a tumor is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”
Here in Missouri, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – outranking prostate and lung cancer. Across the U.S., 279,731 new female breast cancer cases were reported in 2022, the most recent year data is available.
Women with strong family histories of breast cancer, African Americans and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. However, Rourke says many patients develop breast cancer without substantial risk factors, which is why mammograms are so important.
“About half of all breast cancer diagnoses occur in women with no risk factors other than being female and getting older, said Rourke. “That is why creating awareness and educating women about the benefits of mammography is critical. This is a disease that has a 99% survival rate if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body, which is why we urge all women to adhere to screening guidelines.”
Rourke added that certain lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol use and not smoking can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Most health insurance plans are required to cover screening mammograms every 1 to 2 years
for women beginning at age 40 with no out-of-pocket cost (like a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance). To schedule a mammogram, please call 660-785-1279. Or, to find a primary care doctor or OB/GYN, visit https://www.nermc.com/find-a-doctor.
NRMC is a Mammography Accredited Facility, accredited by the American College of Radiology. NRMC is also a Pink Ribbon Facility, recognized for commitment to breast health and support for the women in the community. NRMC offers 3D mammography. According to acr.org, breast tomosynthesis (3D) has shown to be an advance over digital (2D) mammography, with higher cancer detection rates and fewer patient recalls for additional testing.
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