According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among U.S. women – and raising awareness is crucial, including in Michigan, where thousands of women are affected each year. This month serves as a powerful reminder that early detection through mammograms can be a lifesaver.

Why mammograms matter.

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More than 310,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, with Michigan accounting for a significant portion of these cases. Sadly, more than 40,000 women die from breast cancer each year.

With one in eight women nationwide expected to face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society, it’s crucial for women to take a proactive approach to their health. Mammograms play a vital role in early detection and prevention.

What age should women get a mammogram?

Mammograms are the gold standard in early detection and should be started around the age of 45 according to the American Cancer Society. Women over 50 are most at risk to get breast cancer, but younger women aren’t immune. Around 10% of new cases are diagnosed in women under 45, making regular checkups vital. The good news is that there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

A lifesaving effort: breast cancer awareness for men too.

Men might think this conversation doesn’t apply to them, but think again. Encouraging the women in their lives – wives, moms, sisters, or daughters – to get their mammograms can be a lifesaving nudge. Research shows that women who have supportive networks are more likely to seek preventive care and stay on top of screenings.

And let’s not forget, men aren’t entirely off the hook either. In the U.S., men account for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. While the risk is significantly lower for men compared to women, it’s not non-existent. A man’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

A Gift to the University of Michigan to help save more lives.

Ron Weiser, a member of the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents, has donated $25 million to fund a new breast cancer care facility. The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer will be established at the University of Michigan Health’s Rogel Cancer Center, as announced on September 19th. According to the Detroit News, University of Michigan officials said these efforts aim to enhance the treatment experience by developing programs to support both patients and their families, while also expanding breast cancer education and research opportunities.