October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Prevention Month
Professional Impact of Breast Cancer
How many of our colleagues or maybe it’s you who have been affected by breast cancer? This year I did. It impacted her but it also impacted our team. Breast Cancer can also impact us when our patients are diagnosed. The impact can be distracting if we do not find a positive way to deal with it. Educate yourself, Advocate, and take positive Action!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. In the US, breast cancer is common but often detected early, with about 1 in 8 women being diagnosed in their lifetime, and the overall death rate declining. However, trends show a rise in cases among younger women and women of color, and Black women face a higher mortality risk. For men, breast cancer is rare but can have higher mortality rates due to late detection and lack of research. In the US, breast cancer is common but often detected early, with about 1 in 8 women being diagnosed in their lifetime, and the overall death rate declining. However, trends show a rise in cases among younger women and women of color, and Black women face a higher mortality risk. For men, breast cancer is rare but can have higher mortality rates due to late detection and lack of research. In 2025, it’s estimated that about 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). An estimated 42,170 women will die from breast cancer in 2025. The overall death rate has been declining for decades.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. It is recommended to learn more about breast self-examination to increase chances for early detection.
Although breast cancer is much more common in women, breast cancer affects men, too. In 2021, President Joe Biden designated October 17 to October 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and about 510 are expected to die from the disease. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people.
Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:
- Support people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with metastatic breast cancer
- Educate people about breast cancer risk factors
- Encourage women/men to go for regular breast cancer screening starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer risk
- Raise money for breast cancer research
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Prevention Month 2025 Toolkit is Live October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month — and we invite you to tell your story of how prevention is improving lives. Download and share SAMHSA’s Prevention Month toolkit: Social Media graphics, messages, hashtags Web graphics Flyers PowerPoint slides Virtual meeting backgrounds Email signatures Get ready to share your #MyPreventionStory on social media. Thank you for partnering in prevention! View the Toolkit |
The Texas Association of Addiction Professionals firmly upholds values that support of our unique members and the clients they serve. TAAP will establish and sustain policies that promote understanding of the intersection of social, political, economic, and environmental practices and race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. All members are encouraged to strive for competence in understanding how these factors affect them professionally.
It is our goal to promote knowledge, awareness, and competence, not only within our organization, but throughout the state of Texas. TAAP will establish initiatives that increase the sensitivity and competence, as well as the professionalism, of our leaders and members, and build as well as sustain relationships with other professional organizations.
What is Professional Impact?
Professional Impact is anything ( race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective) that may impact your ability to work in a professional and conducive environment. Professional Impact Committee promotes justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by institutions or systems. We want every TAAP member to feel and/or know they are welcomed. Inclusion outcomes are met when you, your institution, and your program are truly inviting to all and individuals are able to participate fully in the decision-making processes and development opportunities within an organization or group.
All Addiction Professionals Must Rise to Meet This Challenge
As a professional association we seek to make meaningful connection regardless of how someone may differ from us?