Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Caring for Yourself While You Care for Everyone Else
For veterinarians, caregiving is part of the job description. You spend your days focused on the health and well-being of patients, clients, teams, and communities. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s worth taking a moment to turn that same care inward.
This message is especially relevant to the veterinary profession. Women now make up approximately 69% of AVMA members, making breast health an important issue for much of our profession.
The Numbers Every Woman Should Know
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, excluding skin cancers. According to the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer statistics, about 1 in 8 women, or roughly 13%, will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. More than 321,000 women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026.1
The good news is that outcomes continue to improve. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates have declined by approximately 44% since 1989, driven by advances in screening, earlier diagnosis, increased awareness, and more effective treatments.2
Survival Rates Have Improved Dramatically
One of the most encouraging developments in breast cancer care is how significantly survival outcomes have improved over the past several decades.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when breast cancer is detected while still localized to the breast, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 99%. Even when cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, the five-year survival rate remains approximately 87%.3
These statistics reinforce one of the most important messages of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: early detection matters. Staying current with recommended screenings can significantly improve outcomes. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, routine mammography remains one of the most effective tools for finding breast cancer early.4
What the Latest Science Says About Risk
Researchers continue to learn more about why breast cancer develops, but certain risk factors are well established. According to the National Cancer Institute and the CDC, age, family history, inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, and dense breast tissue are among the factors associated with higher risk.5,6
Research also shows that physical inactivity, excess body weight after menopause, and alcohol consumption are associated with increased breast cancer risk.7
Importantly, many women who develop breast cancer have no significant risk factors beyond being female and getting older, making routine screening essential.
Screening Saves Lives
In 2024, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendations to advise biennial mammograms for women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer.4 Early detection can identify cancer before symptoms develop and when treatment is often most effective.
Talk with your physician about the screening schedule that’s right for you, especially if you have risk factors such as family history, dense breasts, or known genetic mutations.
A Special Challenge for Veterinarians
Veterinarians are known for putting others first. Long clinical days, emergency calls, practice management responsibilities, family commitments, and compassion fatigue can make personal healthcare feel like something to address “later.”
Unfortunately, preventive care is often one of the first things to fall off a busy calendar.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, consider taking a few simple actions:
- Schedule or confirm your next mammogram
- Establish care with a primary care physician if you don’t already have one
- Review your family health history
- Block time on your calendar for exercise and wellness just as you would for an important clinic meeting
- Encourage colleagues, friends, spouses, sisters, and daughters to stay current on recommended screenings
The Bottom Line
Breast cancer affects millions of women and touches nearly every community, including the veterinary profession. Yet there has never been more reason for optimism. Advances in screening, treatment, and risk-reduction strategies are helping more people detect breast cancer earlier and live longer, healthier lives.
This October, let Breast Cancer Awareness Month serve as a reminder that caring for yourself is not a luxury. It’s part of being able to continue caring for the patients, clients, coworkers, friends, and family members who depend on you every day.
Preparing for life’s uncertainties is another form of self-care. Critical Illness Insurance can help protect you and your loved ones financially if you’re diagnosed with a covered condition, allowing you to focus on healing when it matters most. To learn more, visit the product page or call (800) 228-7548.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Members should consult their healthcare provider regarding individual breast cancer risk, prevention strategies, and screening recommendations.
1“Key Statistics for Breast Cancer.” American Cancer Society, 24 June 2026.
2“Breast Cancer Facts & Figures.” American Cancer Society, 2024.
3“Breast Cancer Statistics.” CDC, 10 June 2025.
4“Breast Cancer: Screening.” U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 30 April 2024.
5“Breast Cancer Causes and Risk Factors.” National Cancer Institute, 2 December 2025.
6“Breast Cancer Risk Factors.” CDC, 15 April 2026.
7“Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Can Change.” American Cancer Society, 11 June 2026.
Critical Illness Insurance is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company (New York, NY 10010) and issued to the Trustees of the AVMA LIFE Trust on group Policy Form Series GMR et al., Policy Number G-14884-6. Learn more about coverage features, costs, eligibility, renewability, exclusions, and limitations on our product page, speak with your authorized AVMAIS Life & Health agent, or call give us a call at (800) 228-7548.
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