October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important reminder to learn about breast cancer risk, understand screening recommendations and take steps to protect your health.
At Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center (KCHC), we encourage patients throughout Southeast Wisconsin to make breast health part of their year-round preventive care.
Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States. According to the Sociedad Americana contra el Cáncer, breast cancer accounts for approximately 1 in 3 new cancers diagnosed in women each year.
For 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates:
- 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- 60,730 women will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer.
- Approximately 42,140 women will die from breast cancer.
Men can develop breast cancer, too, although it is much less common.
For women in the United States, the average lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately 13%, or about 1 in 8.
While these numbers demonstrate why continued awareness is so important, there has also been meaningful progress. Earlier detection, improvements in treatment and greater awareness have contributed to declining breast cancer death rates over the past several decades.
Por qué es importante la detección precoz
Breast cancer screening can help find cancer earlier, when it may be easier to treat. The Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) emphasizes mammograms as an important tool for finding breast cancer early, sometimes before it is large enough to feel or cause symptoms.
However, not everyone experiences the same outcomes. Significant racial disparities remain. According to the Sociedad Americana contra el Cáncer, Black women have a higher breast cancer death rate than White women, despite having a slightly lower overall incidence rate. Differences in stage at diagnosis and access to timely, high-quality care are among the factors associated with this disparity.
Expanding access to preventive care and helping patients understand when and how to be screened are important parts of improving breast cancer outcomes.
At Pillar Health and KCHC, our medical services include routine health assessments, preventive care and ongoing primary care for patients throughout Southeast Wisconsin.
When Should You Get a Mammogram?
Screening recommendations can vary based on your age, personal medical history, family history and individual risk factors.
La American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines recommends:
- Edades comprendidas entre 40 y 44 años: Women should have the option to begin annual mammograms.
- Edades comprendidas entre 45 y 54 años: Women should receive a mammogram every year.
- Age 55 and older: Women can transition to mammograms every two years or continue annual screening.
- Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
Screening recommendations can vary slightly among medical organizations, therefore the best screening schedule is the one you and your healthcare provider determine is appropriate for your individual health and risk factors.
Women at higher risk, including some women with a strong family history, certain inherited genetic changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or previous high-dose radiation exposure to the chest, may need earlier or additional screening.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your personal and family history and whether you may need a different screening plan.
Know What Is Normal for You
Routine breast self-exams are no longer recommended as the only breast cancer screening method for women at average risk. However, it is still important to know how your breasts normally look and feel.
La CDC lists several possible warning signs of breast cancer. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a change, including:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
- Nipple changes
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Persistent breast or nipple pain
Many breast changes are caused by conditions other than cancer, but any new or concerning change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Don’t wait until your next annual exam to bring it up.
Know Your Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast cancer risk is influenced by a combination of factors, and having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer.
Según la CDC’s Breast Cancer Risk Factors, factors associated with increased breast cancer risk include:
- Getting older
- A personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Certain inherited genetic changes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Having dense breasts
- Certain reproductive and hormonal factors
- Previous radiation therapy to the chest or breasts
- Inactividad física
- Being overweight or having obesity after menopause
- Drinking alcohol
- Some forms of hormone therapy
Some risk factors cannot be changed, which is another reason knowing your family history and discussing your individual risk with your healthcare provider is important.
Programar una cita
Whether you need an annual wellness exam, have questions about your breast cancer risk or need a referral for a mammogram, the medical teams at Pillar Health and KCHC are here to help.
New and established patients are always welcome. Call 262-656-0044 to schedule an appointment at one of our medical locations in Kenosha, Silver Lake or Racine.
What Can You Do to Support Your Breast Health?
Not all breast cancers can be prevented, but there are steps you can take to support your overall health and potentially reduce your risk.
Stay physically active. Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer and offers many additional health benefits.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity after menopause is associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Limit alcohol. Según la CDC, breast cancer risk increases with alcohol consumption.
Know your family history. Tell your provider about breast, ovarian and other cancers that have occurred in your family.
Keep up with preventive care. Annual wellness visits provide an opportunity to review your medical and family history, discuss changes in your health and make sure recommended screenings are up to date.
Make Breast Health a Priority All Year
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a valuable reminder, but breast health deserves attention throughout the year.
Know your screening schedule. Talk with your healthcare provider about when you should begin mammograms or other imaging and how frequently you should be screened.
Know your family history. Understanding your family’s cancer history can help you and your healthcare provider better assess your individual risk.
Pay attention to changes. Know what is normal for your breasts and report new or concerning changes promptly.
Take care of your overall health. Staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and keeping up with routine preventive care can support your overall health.
Most importantly, don’t put off preventive care.
Breast Health Support in Kenosha, Silver Lake and Racine
Pillar Health and KCHC provide medical and preventive care throughout Southeast Wisconsin.
Our care teams can help patients stay current with annual wellness exams, assess individual health risks and provide referrals for mammograms and additional specialty care when appropriate.
Services include:
- Annual physicals and wellness exams
- Pruebas de detección preventivas
- Individual health and risk assessments
- Education about breast health and screening
- Referrals for mammograms and additional evaluation when needed
- Care coordination
- Behavioral health services for patients who may need additional emotional or mental health support
New and established patients are always welcome.
Pillar Health and KCHC Medical Locations
Kenosha
Clínica de la 22 Avenida de Kenosha
Avenida 22, 4536
Kenosha, WI 53140
Clínica Pillar Health de Kenosha
Calle Washington 4006
Kenosha, WI 53144
Lago de Plata
Clínica de la calle 2 Silver Lake
903 S. Calle 2
Silver Lake, WI 53170
Racine
Clínica Pillar Health de Racine
930 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Escuela Julian Thomas, Puerta #3
Racine, WI 53404
You can also view all Pillar Health and KCHC locations to learn more about services available near you.
