Do It Today, Not Someday | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 5, 2026

Featured Photo

Every October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month turns the spotlight on one of the most common cancers women face, and it hits close to home here in Guam and the CNMI. Breast cancer touches nearly every island family, through a mother, a sister, a coworker, or a friend. A 2024 study looking at over a decade of breast cancer data across the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands found that while incidence rates here are lower than the U.S. national average, women in the region are far more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage, nearly 49% of cases compared to 34% nationally, a gap researchers linked to challenges in screening access.

The good news is that early detection changes everything, and for most of us, the tools to catch it early are already part of our health insurance coverage, backed by local support from places such as Guam Cancer Care and the DPHSS Cancer Control Program, offering patient navigation, transportation help, and financial assistance for families who need it.

The Bigger Picture

Nationally, about 1 in 8 women, or roughly 13% of the female population in the U.S., will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This year alone, an estimated 321,910 women will be diagnosed, and about 42,140 women are expected to die from the disease, making it the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Here's the part worth holding onto: routine screening finds breast cancer before symptoms even appear, when it's most treatable. That's the importance of early detection, and under StayWell plans, preventive screenings like mammograms are covered at 100% with no deductible or copay when you go to a participating provider.

4 Things Every Person Should Know

  • Know your family history. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer can shift your personal risk and screening timeline.

  • Know your screening age. Women ages 40-44 can choose to start yearly mammograms, regular annual screening is recommended starting at 45.

  • Know the warning signs. A new lump, changes in breast shape, or nipple discharge should never wait, use your insurance to get it checked promptly.

  • Know that men can get breast cancer too. It's rare, but awareness matters for everyone.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Prevention works best as a team effort, and your health insurance plan is part of that team. Screenings like mammograms are one of the most effective tools we have for catching breast cancer early, and preventive care benefits are designed to make that access easier. This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take one small step: schedule that mammogram, review your benefits, or share this with someone who's overdue for a checkup.

Sources: