October 2, 2025
October is more than just a month for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters; it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month: a time when we focus on a serious illness that affects many. In October, it’s common to wear pink ribbons to show awareness of breast cancer, and as a reminder to take proactive steps to stay healthy.
Screening Tools: Know Your Body, Know Your Options
Early detection is key to fighting breast cancer. Screening tools are your first line of defense, but it’s important to understand the different options available.
- Mammograms: This is the gold standard for breast cancer screening. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect changes years before they can be felt. Both 2D and 3D (digital breast tomosynthesis) mammograms are available. 3D mammograms offer clearer, more detailed images, which can be especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue. The American Cancer Society recommends that women between 40 and 54 get a mammogram every year. Women 55 and older can switch to every other year.
- For information about low-cost mammograms, or to get your mammogram ordered, call the El Paso County Public Health Reproductive Health Clinic at 719-578-3199, option 1.
- Breast MRI: For women at high risk of breast cancer (due to factors like a strong family history or a known genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2), an annual breast MRI is often recommended in addition to a mammogram. This imaging tool uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures and doesn’t use radiation.
- Clinical Breast Exams (CBEs) & Self-Exams (SBE): While not a substitute for a mammogram, these exams are a great way to stay in tune with your body. A CBE is done by a health care provider, who manually checks for any lumps or changes. A breast self-exam is something you can do at home. Simply knowing how your breasts normally look, and feel can help you quickly notice any new changes, such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge, and report them to your doctor right away. Breast self-exams are advised to be done monthly.
- Genetic Testing: Preventative cancer screening using genetic testing can be a powerful tool for individuals with a family history of cancer. By analyzing specific inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer. This testing can help identify people at higher risk before symptoms appear. If you have a family history of cancer, please contact our team at the El Paso County Public Health Reproductive Health Clinic at 719-578-3199, option 1, to schedule an appointment to talk about genetic testing.
This October, let’s take a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made, but also to remember that the fight continues. By being informed about screening tools and promoting the power of community, we can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Ask your health care provider about breast cancer screening or reach out El Paso County Public Health Reproductive Health Clinic to schedule an appointment.