Each year, October grows a little pinker. Officially established as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985, October is filled with events, public service announcements, and viral challenges designed to raise awareness for this common, pervasive, and serious illness. As we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are five facts everyone should know about breast cancer.
Signs and Symptoms Can Mimic Other Ailments
Like many types of cancer, the early symptoms of breast cancer can be vague and mimic other less serious conditions — more fatigue than usual, unexpected weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, a mild fever, slow-healing wounds, or an unusual lump that doesn't go away. After cancer has spread to nearby organs, you may suffer from back pain or trouble breathing. It's always a good idea to have any symptoms checked out by a doctor if it doesn't go away on its own within a couple of weeks.
Breast Cancer Isn't Limited to Women
Breast cancer is often thought of as the other side of the prostate cancer coin — a type of cancer restricted to just one sex. However, men can and do get breast cancer, and it's important for everyone to be aware of the warning signs so they can seek treatment early. Each year, more than 2,600 U.S. men are diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 500 men die from this cancer annually.1
Early Detection Improves Survival Rates
When breast cancer is detected early in its development, before it has spread to other organs through the lymph nodes, it's highly treatable and almost always survivable. In fact, cancer detected early in the localized stage has a 99% five-year survival rate.2 Even after cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it still has an 86% five-year survival rate.3 Seeking early diagnosis can be the difference between a short and successful treatment plan or a long walk through months or even years of radiation and chemotherapy.
Breast Cancer is Incredibly Common
In 2026, one in every three U.S. females who are diagnosed with cancer will have breast cancer.4 And over the course of a lifetime, one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis.5 Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women.6 Naming October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps spotlight this common illness and raise the profile of those who are searching for a cure.
Cancer Insurance May Defray Treatment Costs
In addition to health insurance, you may be offered access to a cancer-specific policy or rider. These policies provide additional benefits if you or someone covered under your policy is diagnosed with cancer. Because health insurance may cover only the cost of medical treatment — not expenses like taking time off of work, staying in hotels near the hospital, or eating meals on the road — having extra insurance can help reduce the financial strain of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about cancer insurance
This blog is up to date as of June 2026 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events. American Fidelity does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult an attorney or a tax professional regarding your specific situation.
