National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of a disease that affects more than 2.5 million women worldwide and in 2026 is estimated to be diagnosed in 383,000 women in this country, according to www.breastcancer.org.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, accounting for about 32% of all new cancer diagnoses, with women of color – in particular Black women – seeing having a 38% higher risk of dying from the disease compared to White women. This disturbing statistic, sourced from the Susan G. Komen website (www.komen.org), directly points to the persistent disparities in access to screening, treatment, and care.
Poverty, lack of insurance coverage, provider bias and systemic inequities in general – all can influence risk and outcomes. Whittier (Whittier Street Health Center) has long worked against these disparities in an unwavering effort to close the far-too-wide gap between avoidable illness and the high-quality equitable care, every patients deserves, regardless of income, location, or background.
At Whittier, we deliver a full continuum of breast-health services designed to ensure early detection and equitable access to care. Patients can receive:
· Screening mammograms through our on-site Dana-Farber Mammography Suite (located on the first floor of the Whittier Street Health Center, Frederica M. Williams Building, 1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury)
· Diagnostic follow-up coordinated with Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women’s
· Genetic testing is available for individuals with elevated risk, supported by patient navigators who guide patients through results, and referrals
· Education, outreach, and multilingual support
Our Breast Cancer Care team includes patient navigators, oncology nurses, mammography technologists, program coordinators, and breast health educators. The goal of the Mammography Suite, in existence since 2013, is to connect all women including underserved women to high-quality, culturally sensitive, compassionate and high quality care.
It is important to note that breast cancer can occur in men, as well. Although breast cancer in men is less common, it is frequently diagnosed at a later stage because symptoms are missed or dismissed. Whittier’s Center for Health Equity Research and Dana-Farber Mammography Suite at the Frederica M. Williams Building provides screening mammograms for men with risk factors—such as a family history, genetic mutations, or noticeable breast changes—and its care team ensures that men receive the same seamless diagnostic follow-up and patient navigation as women. By making screening accessible, stigma-free, and culturally responsive, Whittier helps men take proactive steps to protect their health.
Please join us on October 23rd for our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month community event. All are welcome! Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where breast cancer no longer affects our loved ones.