Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed in October; Allamakee Public Health shares how to lower your risk
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care-Allamakee is working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for breast cancer and provide information about breast cancer screening. According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, breast cancer is one cancer type that is largely driving Iowa’s high overall cancer incidence rate.
There are more survivors of breast cancer living in Iowa than of any other type of cancer, with an estimated 38,200 survivors. Breast cancer has the second highest incidence rate of all types of cancer in Iowa, accounting for 14.1% of all new cancer cases in 2026 with an estimated 3,050 Iowans being diagnosed with breast cancer this year. An estimated 380 Iowans will die of breast cancer in 2026.
There are many different risk factors for breast cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean that someone will get cancer; it means that someone has a higher chance of developing cancer. Some cancer risk factors, like a person’s age, can’t be changed, but some cancer risk factors can be modified.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), risk factors for breast cancer include getting older, genetic mutations, reproductive history, having dense breasts, and family history. Screening is highly recommended for women at high risk. This includes women with certain gene mutations and with a family history of breast cancer. Risk factors that are not related to family history include not being physically active, being overweight or obese, and drinking alcohol.
Breast cancer screening can help detect tumors earlier, when they are more treatable. The American Cancer Society screening recommendations for women at average breast cancer risk indicate that women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year and at the age of 55, recommendations switch to every other year. Women should also be informed of what a breast cancer screening can and cannot detect.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services offers the Care for Yourself – Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to women across Iowa by providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Women are encouraged to visit the Iowa HHS website - hhs.iowa.gov/cfy - to find eligibility requirements, or call 866-39-7909 to speak to a confidential coordinator.
To make an appointment for a mammogram, call the VMH Radiology Department at 563-568-3411.
