October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, supporting patients, and funding research. Each year, millions of people worldwide unite under the pink ribbon symbol to honor survivors, remember those lost, and push forward in the fight against breast cancer.

For us at GetASecondOpinion.ai, this month carries a deeply personal meaning. One of the driving forces behind our founding was a family member’s fight against breast cancer. Their journey underscored the importance of timely, accurate medical guidance and the need for accessible second opinions. That experience shaped our mission: to empower patients with clarity, confidence, and better health outcomes.

The Global and National Impact of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, alongside 59,080 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.¹

• 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.¹
• Every two minutes, a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer.¹
• Approximately 42,170 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2025.¹
• Globally, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed each year.²

Despite these sobering statistics, there is hope. When breast cancer is detected early and remains localized, the five-year survival rate is 99%.¹ Advances in screening, treatment, and awareness campaigns have contributed to a steady decline in mortality rates over the past four decades.³

The History and Significance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca).⁴ The campaign’s original goal was to promote mammography as the most effective tool for early detection.

By the early 1990s, the pink ribbon emerged as the global symbol of breast cancer awareness, thanks to advocacy efforts led by Estée Lauder and SELF magazine.⁴ Since then, landmarks around the world – from the Empire State Building to the Sydney Opera House – have been illuminated in pink each October to honor the cause.

Today, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about pink ribbons. It’s about encouraging screenings and self-exams, educating communities about risk factors and prevention, supporting survivors and families and funding research for better treatments and a cure.

Risk Factors and the Role of Genetics

While anyone can develop breast cancer, certain factors increase risk:

• Age: The average age of diagnosis in the U.S. is 62.¹
• Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer nearly doubles risk.¹
• Genetics: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can raise lifetime risk to as high as 85%.⁵
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can also contribute.⁶

Globally, 15–25% of breast cancer cases are thought to have a hereditary component.⁵ This makes genetic counseling and testing critical for those with a strong family history.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection remains the most powerful tool in reducing breast cancer mortality. According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin discussing mammograms with their doctors at age 40, with annual screenings recommended starting at age 45.⁷

Key methods of early detection include:

• Mammograms: The gold standard for screening.
• Self-exams: Knowing your “normal” can help detect changes early.
• Clinical breast exams: Performed by healthcare professionals.
• Genetic testing: For those with family history or known mutations.

When caught early, treatment options are less invasive, survival rates are higher, and quality of life outcomes improve dramatically.¹

Survivorship and Disparities

There are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.¹ Survivorship is a testament to medical progress, but disparities remain.

• Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, despite having slightly lower incidence rates.¹
• Men account for less than 1% of cases, but often face delayed diagnoses due to lack of awareness.⁸
• Metastatic breast cancer (stage IV) affects about 168,000 women in the U.S., with limited treatment options and research funding compared to early-stage disease.¹⁰

Addressing these disparities requires equitable access to care, culturally sensitive education, and targeted research.

Beyond Awareness – Turning Pink Into Action

Critics of Breast Cancer Awareness Month argue that the campaign has become overly commercialized, with “pinkwashing” overshadowing meaningful action.⁹ While pink ribbons raise visibility, true impact comes from:

• Funding research into prevention, treatment, and metastatic disease.
• Supporting patients and families with financial, emotional, and logistical resources.
• Advocating for policy changes that ensure equitable access to screenings and care.
• Encouraging second opinions to empower patients with confidence in their treatment plans.

This is where platforms like GetASecondOpinion.ai can help play a vital role. By making medication guidance and treatment options more accessible, we help patients navigate complex diagnoses with clarity and confidence.

Why GetASecondOpinion.ai Was Founded

The story of our founding is rooted in personal experience. A family member’s battle with breast cancer revealed how overwhelming and confusing the medical system can feel – especially when facing life-altering decisions.

We saw firsthand the importance of personalized medication guidance, not only for peace of mind but also for ensuring the best possible treatment path. That experience inspired us to build a platform that combines medical expertise with technology, giving patients access to trusted, evidence-based guidance when they need it most.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us why this mission matters. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story.

How You Can Make a Difference This October

Here are a few ways to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

• Schedule your screening: If you’re due for a mammogram, make the appointment.
• Encourage loved ones: Remind friends and family to prioritize their breast health.
• Support organizations: Donate to research foundations or patient support groups.
• Educate yourself and others: Share credible information, not myths.
• Advocate for equity: Support policies that expand access to screenings and treatment.
• Get a Second Opinion: If you’re in need of treatment, and are taking medication – register for an account in minutes, and get free personalized science backed Second Opinions. 

Sources (10)

1. National Breast Cancer Foundation – Breast Cancer Facts & Stats 2025
2. BreastCancer.org – Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025
3. American Cancer Society – 40 Years of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
4. Britannica – History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
5. MSN Health – Family History and Genetics in Breast Cancer
6. BreastCancer.org – Breast Cancer Risk Factors
7. American Cancer Society – Screening Guidelines
8. MSN Health – Providers Encouraging Annual Screenings
9. BreastCancer.org – Controversy Around Awareness Month
10. BreastCancer.org – Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness