Take Charge of Your Health During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/10/2025
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.
Tennova Healthcare - Jefferson Memorial Hospital is scheduling 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 Dr. Evan Foulke, a general surgeon for Tennova Healthcare. “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 Tennessee, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer – at more than double the rate of lung cancer, the next most common 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 should have a risk assessment at age 25 to see if a screening mammogram is needed before they are 40. However, Dr. Foulke 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 Foulke. “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.”
Foulke added that certain lifestyle factors, like maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and limiting alcohol use 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 (such as a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance). To schedule a mammogram screening at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, please call (865) 545-7771 or visit www.tennovajefferson.com/breast-imaging-diagnostic-imaging to learn more. To find a primary care doctor or OB/GYN, visit tennovagreaterknoxvilledocs.com.
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