October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Equity in Action Starts With Early Detection
Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States. While October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it also presents a critical opportunity to highlight disparities—and take action toward closing the gap.
Know the Facts: Disparities in Breast Cancer Incidence
White women have the highest overall incidence rate of breast cancer.
However, Black women under 50 face higher incidence rates than their white counterparts.
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer, both of which are more difficult to treat and associated with poorer outcomes.
These disparities are not just statistics—they reflect real women, real families, and real lives impacted by unequal access to care.
Early Detection Saves Lives—But Only If It's Equitable
Timely, high-quality screening, diagnosis, and treatment must be accessible to all women, regardless of race, income, or geography. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving survival rates, especially for aggressive cancers.
If you or a loved one is due for a mammogram or breast cancer screening—don’t wait. Speak to your healthcare provider today. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more treatment options are available and the better the outcomes.
Equity in Research and Treatment
In addition to clinical care, we must ensure that all patients have access to clinical trials and research opportunities. Representation matters—when diverse populations are included in research, scientists gain a clearer understanding of how treatments work across different racial and ethnic groups, leading to better, more personalized care for everyone.
Together, We Can Close the Gap
As a leading voice in medicine, our organization is committed to advocating for:
Equitable access to screening and treatment
Increased participation in clinical trials by underrepresented groups
Awareness and education about breast cancer risks and resources in diverse communities
This October, let’s move beyond awareness to action. Let’s ensure that every woman, everywhere, has the chance to detect breast cancer early—and fight it with the best tools science can offer.
Your health can’t wait. Get screened. Get informed. Get involved.
Join NJMA at a community event in Englewood on October 18th! See flyer for details:
