As October begins, the focus shifts toward Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a critical reminder of the prevalence of the disease. Currently standing as the second most common cancer among women, statistics show that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. According to data from the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that over 381,000 new cases across various stages of invasiveness will be diagnosed this year alone, with approximately 42,000 deaths expected.
To combat these numbers, ABC News has partnered with the American Cancer Society to encourage women to better understand their personal risk levels. This knowledge is vital because it allows patients and their doctors to determine the most effective screening schedules and prevention strategies tailored to each individual. As part of this initiative, the society is promoting its free CancerRisk360 assessment tool for adults aged 18 and older. By analyzing health histories, family backgrounds, daily habits, and previous screenings, the tool provides users with personalized guidance on how to potentially lower their risks.
While certain risk factors like age and genetics remain outside of a person’s control, experts emphasize that many other elements can be managed through lifestyle adjustments. Modifying diet, increasing physical activity and avoiding tobacco are all cited by the American Cancer Society as ways to reduce overall cancer susceptibility. While the assessment covers multiple types of cancer beyond just breast cancer—including colorectal and lung cancers—its primary goal is to simplify the path toward preventative care rather than complicate it.
Shane Jacobson, CEO of the American Cancer Society, notes that providing trusted information helps people initiate meaningful conversations with their healthcare providers. However, both ABC News and the ACS stress that digital tools are not a replacement for professional medical consultation. They urge everyone to seek advice from a qualified physician who understands their specific health needs and warn against delaying professional treatment based solely on an online assessment result.
