Beyond the Pink: Nurses Leading the Way in Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when pink ribbons, walks, and fundraisers remind us of the ongoing fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. For nurses, this month carries special significance. We are not only caregivers at the bedside, but also educators, advocates, and role models in promoting awareness, prevention, and early detection.

Why Awareness Matters

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States (excluding some skin cancers) and the second leading cause of cancer death in women (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2025). Approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime (National Breast Cancer Foundation [NBCF], 2025).

In 2025, an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with about 59,080 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer (Breastcancer.org, 2025). When detected early at a localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 99% (NBCF, 2025). 

Although this is more prevalent in women, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), approximately 2800 men will be diagnosed this year (n.d.). 

Screening & Early Detection: What the Guidelines Say

Nurses are often the bridge between evidence and practice. Current guidelines include:

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2024): Women aged 40–74 at average risk should have a mammogram every 2 years (CDC, 2024).

• American Cancer Society (ACS, 2023): Women aged 40–44 may choose annual mammograms; 45–54 should get mammograms yearly; 55+ may continue annually or switch to every 2 years. Women at higher risk may need earlier screening and MRI in addition to mammograms (ACS, 2023).

• Self-breast awareness remains essential: knowing how your breasts usually look and feel, and reporting changes promptly, is key to a positive outcome (ACS, 2023).

Role of Nurses: Advocacy, Education & Self-Care

As nurses, we wear many hats: clinical expert, educator, patient comforter, and health role model. Here are ways to lead during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

1. Patient Education

   • Clarify screening schedules based on age and risk.

   • Dispel myths, such as breast cancer only affecting women with a family history.

   • Don’t exclude males from patient education on self-breast exam.

2. Promoting Equity

   • Address barriers to screening in underserved populations.

   • Advocate for resources in communities with lower screening rates (National Cancer Institute, 2023).

3. Self-Care & Leading by Example

   • Schedule your own mammogram if due.

   • Practice self-breast awareness.

   • Share your story — nurses normalizing preventive care can empower patients and peers.

4. Workplace Initiatives

   • Share reliable resources (American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research Foundation).

   • Organize pink-themed activities or wellness events.

   • Support colleagues navigating screening, diagnosis, or survivorship.

Key Awareness Messages for October

• Early detection and localized stages have shown a 99% five-year survival rate (NBCF, 2025).

• Women aged 40 of average risk should consider having a mammogram every 1 year (ACS, 2023).

• Know your body; this is not just for women but for men too: report changes like lumps, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling (ACS, 2023; BCRF, n.d.).

• With early detection and treatment, the outcome can be good, as evidenced by over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. (NBCF, 2025).

Closing Reflection

Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare — trusted, compassionate, and ever-present. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand not only with our patients but with each other. Together, let’s go beyond the pink: transforming awareness into action, championing early detection, and caring for our own health along the way.

References

American Cancer Society. (2023). American Cancer Society recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html

American Cancer Society. (2025). Breast cancer facts & figures 2025–2026. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-figures.html

Breastcancer.org. (2025). Breast cancer facts & statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics

Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (n.d.). What to know about male breast cancer. BCRF. Retrieved from:  https://www.bcrf.org/about-breast-cancer/male-breast-cancer-statistics-research/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Breast cancer screening. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html

National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2025). Breast cancer facts & early detection. Retrieved from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/

National Cancer Institute. (2023). Cancer trends progress report: Breast cancer detection. Retrieved from: https://progressreport.cancer.gov/detection/breast_cancer