Make Breast Health a Priority Before Breast Cancer Awareness Month

September is the perfect time to reset and refresh your health priorities. The summer is winding down, routines are returning, and the holiday season is approaching. Before October comes in with a wave of pink ribbons, let’s be proactive. Make breast health a resolution this month! Planning ahead can help you avoid screening delays during the busy October season.1 

Schedule Your Mammogram

If you’ve been putting it off, now is the perfect time to book your screening. Mammograms are one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear.2 3 

For many women, screening begins at age 40, but your doctor may recommend earlier screenings based on your personal risk or family history.3 

Visit Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Providers | Texas Health and Human Services or call us at 713-313-5781 to know when we will be having a mobile mammogram event near you!

Know Your Risk

Some factors can increase your breast cancer risk, according to the CDC, including: 4

• Family history and your reproductive history
• Genetics
• Lifestyle habits
• Age and breast density 

Even without a family history of breast cancer, it can still happen, which is why regular screenings are important.1 4 

Small, Healthy Habits and Goals Matter

Simple, everyday choices can support better breast and overall health.5 This September, try to:

• Stay physically active. 
• Eat a balanced diet. 
• Limit alcohol. 
• Avoid smoking. 
• Keep up with routine checkups.

Look for local programs that help you with screenings and preventive care. If you’re in Texas, check out the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Providers | Texas Health and Human Services for screening programs like ours.

Take Action This Month, Make New Habits

Don’t wait for October to start thinking about breast health. Schedule your screening, learn your risk factors, and encourage the women in your life to do the same.

Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

References

1. Susan G. Komen. (2026). Breast cancer statistics. https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/facts-statistics/breast-cancer-statistics/ 
2. American Cancer Society. (2024). Breast cancer early detection and diagnosis. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html  
3. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2024). Breast cancer: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org 
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Breast cancer risk factors. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm 
5. National Cancer Institute. (2023). Breast cancer prevention (PDQ®)–patient version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-prevention-pdq