Lynn Scott and Beth Keyser: Community plays a role in breast cancer prevention

Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the importance of prevention, early detection and education in the fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women. Nationally, about one in eight women, roughly 13.1%, will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

While awareness campaigns have made significant strides over the past few decades, there is still more to do. Many women delay screenings or are unsure about when to begin, while others might not realize that lifestyle habits, family history and age all play important roles in breast health. Knowledge, paired with access to preventive care, remains one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the impact of breast cancer.

Earlier this year during WNBA All-Star week, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield associates joined a community event in collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the Indiana University Health Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. The “tissue drive” provides researchers with valuable samples to better understand which breast tissue changes are normal and which might signal potential risk.

Nearly 400 women donated tissue, and close to 600 volunteered. Among the donors, 34% were women of color, 40% were under the age of 40, and 90% were first-time participants. These figures highlight how community engagement is expanding—and why it is so important to reach younger women who might not yet prioritize routine screenings, as well as those unfamiliar with available resources.

According to State Cancer Profiles, the age-adjusted incidence rate for breast cancer among women in Indiana was 129.8 cases per 100,000 from 2017 to 2021, and about 42% of cases were diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is often more complex.

When breast cancer is detected early, treatment options are more effective, and survival rates are significantly higher. Mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-awareness of changes in breast tissue all play critical roles in identifying cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

Guidelines generally recommend that women begin regular mammograms starting at age 40, though those with family histories or other risk factors might need to start sooner. Talking with a health care provider is the best way to determine what’s right for each individual. Importantly, women under 40, like many of the participants in this recent event, should still be aware of their family histories and discuss any concerns with their doctors.

Beyond screenings, education and support are equally vital. Understanding the signs and symptoms, knowing where to find reliable information and being aware of available resources can make a real difference. Community events, health fairs and awareness campaigns provide opportunities to learn and encourage others to take action.

Volunteers and donors, many of them new to the cause this year, are helping expand the reach of breast cancer education. Their efforts ripple outward, sparking conversations in families, workplaces and neighborhoods about the importance of prevention and screening. Organizations like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are proud to play a role in supporting these conversations and partnering with communities to broaden awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a symbolic campaign—it is a call to action. Every conversation, donation and act of volunteerism contributes to greater awareness and, ultimately, healthier outcomes.

By continuing to highlight the importance of early detection and fostering community participation, we can build on the progress made and ensure more women are informed and supported. Together, we can create a future where fewer families are affected by breast cancer and more women can live long, healthy lives.•

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Scott is Medicaid plan president, and Beth Keyser is commercial plan president for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana.