Honoring Strength, Building Awareness: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Riley Pasaye
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Every October, we come together to honor those impacted by breast cancer, raise awareness, and encourage prevention. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide — and it touches nearly every family and workplace.
1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
More than 1 in 3 people personally know someone who has been diagnosed.
5 Ways to Support Prevention & Well-Being
While no method can guarantee prevention, research suggests several evidence-based habits and lifestyle practices that help reduce breast cancer risk over time:
Maintain a Healthy Weight & Stay ActiveExcess body fat and sedentary lifestyles are associated with increased risk. Regular physical activity (e.g. 30 minutes most days) can help regulate hormones and reduce inflammation.
Limit Alcohol ConsumptionEven moderate use of alcohol is linked to breast cancer risk. Reducing or avoiding alcohol may lower that risk.
Follow a Plant-Forward, Balanced DietDiets rich in whole vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains — and lower in processed foods and red meats — may support lower cancer risk.
Minimize Exposure to Harmful Hormones / Environmental RisksThis includes discussing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) risks with your provider, reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (in some plastics or cosmetics), and adopting safer environmental practices.
Breast Health Awareness & Self-Check (Mindfully)Be familiar with what is “normal” for your body. Many people underrecognize non-lump signs. Note changes in skin and nipples, new lumps, dimpling, or unexplained swelling.
These habits don’t replace professional screening, but they help support overall health and resilience.
Why Early Detection Matters — And the Role of Mammograms
Early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is caught in a localized early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 99%. Because breast cancer often shows no noticeable symptoms early on, regular mammograms remain one of the most effective tools in detecting cancer before it spreads.
Many guidelines now support beginning routine mammography around age 40, especially for those with risk factors (family history, dense breast tissue, etc.) Incorporating mammogram screening into workplace wellness initiatives creates an environment that normalizes preventive care.
Employers can:
Partner with local clinics or mobile screening vans
Offer paid time off or reimbursement for screenings
Provide educational sessions and reminders
Cover all or partial costs of imaging as a benefit
Such steps not only support employee health, but also communicate a culture that values prevention over reaction.
A Call to Community & Compassion
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than pink ribbons — it’s an invitation to stand with those affected, to advocate for access to care, and to make prevention a shared mission. Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, or ally, your voice and action matter.
If you or someone you know is impacted by breast cancer, reach out — emotional support, information, and shared experience can be lifelines. Encourage screening, listen with empathy, and promote hope.
Resources for Information and Support:
Topia’s Commitment to Health & Wellness
At Topia, we believe prevention and support are foundational to well-being. Our programs equip teams and individuals with tools for healthy habits, stress resilience, and compassionate leadership skills. This October, we stand with the breast cancer community, and we affirm our ongoing commitment to fostering environments where health, awareness, and compassion thrive.
-The Topia Team
Elevating Health, Happiness and Performance
Incorporating digital wellness platforms into the workplace is not just about keeping employees healthy—it’s about fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being and performance.
Topia offers businesses a unique opportunity to elevate their workplace culture, reduce stress, and improve productivity through our hybrid wellness solutions. Invest in your employees' well-being and transform your workplace today!
Schedule your Topia Leadership Coaching or
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