From the NP's Desk: Heart to Heart đź’—
Beyond the Pink Ribbon: What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Health After 40
Breast Cancer Awareness Month | October 2026
By Marva Edwards-Marshall, DNP, ANP-BC
Founder, MEM Health Promotion Services LLC
Hello, friends! đź’—
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I want to take a few moments to talk with you about something very important—your breast health.
As a nurse practitioner, I've spent many years helping adults understand their health, manage medical concerns, and make informed decisions about their care.
And if there's one message I want to share with you this month, it's this:
Please don't put your own health on the back burner.
I know how life gets. Between work, family responsibilities, caring for aging parents, and looking after everyone else, it's easy to postpone that mammogram or routine healthcare appointment.
But here's my gentle reminder:
You deserve the same care and attention you so freely give to others.
So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and let's have a heart-to-heart about breast health after 40.
Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Awareness Is Just the Beginning
Every October, pink ribbons appear everywhere. They remind us to honor those we've lost, celebrate survivors, and support individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
But I want us to think beyond the ribbon.
Breast cancer awareness isn't just about knowing that the disease exists. It's about understanding your personal risk, recognizing possible warning signs, keeping up with recommended screenings, and knowing when to seek medical attention.
And here's something important: You don't have to wait until something feels wrong to take care of your breast health.
That's where preventive healthcare comes in.
Let's Talk About Mammograms
One question women frequently have is, "When should I start getting mammograms?"
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women ages 40 through 74 at average risk should receive a screening mammogram every two years.
A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue. Screening can identify certain breast cancers before a woman notices symptoms, when treatment may be more effective.
Other professional organizations recommend different screening intervals, including annual mammograms for some age groups. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the recommendations and choose a schedule that fits your individual circumstances.
And if you're nervous about getting a mammogram, you're not alone. Some women worry about discomfort, while others feel anxious about the results.
Those feelings are understandable. But please don't let fear keep you from having an important conversation about screening.
A mammogram appointment may take only a short time, but making your breast health a priority can have a lasting impact.
Know What's Normal for Your Body
Let's talk about something else that's important: knowing your breasts.
Breast cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms. That's one reason routine screening matters.
However, becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel can help you recognize changes.
Some changes that deserve medical attention include:
A new lump in the breast or underarm
Swelling or thickening in part of the breast
Changes in breast size or shape
Dimpling, redness, or unusual changes in breast skin
A nipple that begins turning inward
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, particularly if bloody
Persistent breast or nipple pain
Now, I don't want you to become frightened every time you notice something different.
Not every breast change is cancer.
But a new or unusual change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than ignored. This is true even if your most recent mammogram was normal.
And remember, breast awareness does not replace recommended mammography screening.
"But Breast Cancer Doesn't Run in My Family"
I've heard many people express this thought when discussing cancer risk.
Family history matters, but it's only one piece of the picture.
Breast cancer can develop in women who have no known family history of the disease.
Risk is influenced by several factors, including age, inherited genetic changes, breast density, personal medical history, reproductive history, and certain lifestyle factors.
Some of these factors are outside our control. Others may be modifiable.
For example, limiting alcohol consumption, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight can support overall health and may help lower breast cancer risk.
But please remember that living a healthy lifestyle does not eliminate the possibility of developing breast cancer.
That's why understanding your risk and following an appropriate screening plan are so important.
If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, a known inherited genetic mutation, or another high-risk condition, ask your healthcare provider whether additional risk assessment, genetic counseling, or specialized screening is appropriate.
What About Breast Health After Age 74?
I don't want to leave our older women out of this conversation.
Breast health remains important as we age.
For women age 75 and older, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has determined that there is not enough evidence to establish the overall benefits and harms of routine screening mammography.
This does not mean that every woman should automatically stop screening on her 75th birthday.
Instead, the decision should involve a thoughtful conversation about overall health, life expectancy, personal preferences, and the potential benefits and limitations of continued screening.
Every woman deserves to be included in decisions about her healthcare.
Your Health Deserves a Place on Your Calendar, Too
Now, here's where I want to speak to you from the heart.
Many women spend much of their lives caring for other people.
We make sure our children attend appointments. We remind our spouses and loved ones to take their medications. We help aging parents manage their healthcare needs.
We remember everyone else's appointments.
But what about our own?
When was your last preventive healthcare visit?
Do you know when you had your last mammogram?
Have you discussed your breast cancer risk with your healthcare provider?
If you don't remember, that's okay. Today is a good day to find out.
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's an important part of protecting your health and well-being.
Three Things You Can Do This October
Before we finish our conversation, I want to leave you with three simple steps.
1. Check your mammogram schedule.
Find out when you had your last mammogram and whether you're due for screening. If you're unsure, contact your healthcare provider.
2. Have a conversation about your risk.
Discuss your personal and family history, any breast changes you've noticed, and whether your screening plan needs to be individualized.
3. Encourage another woman.
Reach out to a friend, sister, mother, aunt, coworker, or neighbor.
Sometimes a simple message—"Have you scheduled your mammogram?"—can encourage someone to prioritize her health.
We can support one another through education, encouragement, and compassion.
A Final Heart-to-Heart đź’—
As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I hope you'll remember something beyond the pink ribbons and awareness campaigns.
Your health matters. Your questions matter. And your well-being deserves your attention.
You don't have to know every medical term or understand every screening guideline. That's what healthcare conversations are for.
Ask questions. Share your concerns. Seek reliable information. And take an active role in your healthcare decisions.
At MEM Health Promotion Services, we believe that knowledge empowers, prevention matters, and your health is worth prioritizing.
So wear your pink ribbon proudly this October.
But don't stop there.
Make that appointment. Have that conversation. Encourage another woman.
And most importantly, remember to extend the same love and care to yourself that you give to others.
Until our next heart-to-heart, take good care of yourself. You are worth it! 💗
With care,
Marva Edwards-Marshall, DNP, ANP-BC
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