(Atlantic) October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Cass Health is working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for breast cancer and provide information about 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 others can be modified.
According to the CDC, risk factors for breast cancer include getting older, genetic mutations, reproductive history, having dense breasts, and family history. 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. Cass Health’s screening recommendation is that women have an annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40. Based on family history and risk factors, some women may need to start screenings earlier or have more frequent screenings. Women are encouraged to talk with their primary care provider about what screenings they need.
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) 339-7909 to speak to a confidential coordinator.
