Breast Cancer Awareness: Knowing Your Risk, Taking Action
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to educate, honor, and take action. At TruCare Home Care, we know our caregivers give so much of themselves in service to others, often placing their own well-being last. This month, we want to pause and remind every woman: your health matters, too.
Why Breast Cancer Awareness Matters to Everyone
Breast cancer does not discriminate. It can affect women of any age, race, or background—anywhere in the world. Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In fact, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and more than 2 million new cases are reported worldwide each year.
While treatments and survival rates continue to improve, early detection is critical. When breast cancer is found in its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%. Yet too often, women delay screenings or overlook warning signs because of busy lives and caregiving responsibilities.
Make Time To Take Care Of Yourself
This October, we encourage every woman to:
• Schedule a mammogram or clinical breast exam if you’re due.
• Learn the risk factors and talk with your doctor about your family history.
• Pay attention to changes in your body—early action can save lives.
Breast cancer awareness isn’t just about statistics—it’s about protecting the mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and caregivers who give so much to others. This month, make yourself a priority. Because your health matters.
What Is a Lifetime Breast Cancer Risk Assessment?
A lifetime risk assessment is a tool that estimates your personal chance of developing breast cancer over your life. It takes into account:
• Age
• Family history
• Genetic factors
• Reproductive history
• Race and ethnicity
This assessment can guide decisions about when to start screening, how often, and whether you may need genetic counseling or additional imaging.
You can ask your primary care provider or OB-GYN about getting a breast cancer risk assessment. It’s quick, non-invasive, and could be life-saving.
Free Screening with the PA-BCCEDP Program
If you’re uninsured, underinsured, or worried about the cost of screening, the Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) can help. This free program provides:
• Mammograms and MRIs for breast cancer detection
• Pap and HPV tests for cervical cancer
• Follow-up tests if needed
• Help scheduling appointments and navigating access barriers
You may qualify if you’re aged 40–64, live in Pennsylvania, and meet income guidelines. The program also supports transgender individuals who meet eligibility criteria. Call 1-800-848-3367 (AccessMatters) for Philadelphia-area counties, or 1-800-215-7494 (Adagio Health) for all other areas.
Find more info here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/cancer/pa-bccedp
Free or Low-Cost Screening Resources Near You
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, there are programs that can help you get a mammogram or risk assessment for free or low cost:
Philadelphia:
• Einstein Breast Health Center: 1-800-346-7834
• Penn Medicine’s Free Mammogram Program: https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/breast-cancer/screening
Reading:
Berks Community Health Center: (610) 988-4838
https://berkschc.net/service/womens-health/
Norristown:
Montgomery County Office of Public Health: (610) 278-5117
Allentown:
St. Luke’s Mobile Mammography Unit: Call 1-866-STLUKES
More info: https://www.slhn.org/obgyn/gynecology/breast-health
Pottstown:
Tower Health Breast Health Center: (610) 327-7276
More Info: https://towerhealth.org/services/breast-health
Take Care of You, Too
At TruCare, we believe that caring for others starts with caring for yourself. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage all of our caregivers to ask about a breast cancer risk assessment and schedule a screening if needed.
Your health is your strength—and we need you strong.
