October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and proactive care. Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. during their lifetime, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Detecting breast cancer early provides the best opportunity for successful treatment.

Self-exams, mammogram screening and high risk cancer assessments are the best way to detect breast cancer in its beginning stages. It's important to understand the recommended guidelines when it comes to breast cancer.

Clinical Exams and Screening Guidelines

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a clinical breast exam every year starting at age 40, while younger individuals should talk with their clinician about the frequency that is right for them.
• • While guidelines on monthly self-exams vary, it is important to contact your care team if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as changes in size or shape, skin dimpling, puckering, or redness.
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends beginning annual mammogram screenings at age 40, continuing as long as you remain in good health.
• • Your primary care provider may suggest starting earlier if you have a family history or an elevated risk of breast cancer.
• Because breast cancer risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed after age 50 often with no family history, discussing a personalized screening plan with your clinician is essential for supporting your long-term health and well-being.

Expanding Access to Care through Gail's Law

• Gail's Law requires Wisconsin health insurance plans, including Medicaid, to cover medically necessary breast imaging for people with an increased risk of breast cancer and/or with dense breasts.
• If you have dense breast tissue, (described as heterogeneously dense or extremely dense on mammogram), or a higher risk of breast cancer due to family history or other factors, an initial screening mammogram may not provide a complete picture. You should have a discussion with your provider about supplemental screening with an MRI.
• Before scheduling any additional screening or diagnostic tests, follow up with your insurance plan to be sure they will comply with Gail's Law and provide these tests cost free.
• Gail's Law went into effect July 1, 2026 for Wisconsin Medicaid plans, also known as BadgerCare, and will take effect for state-regulated private insurance plans that begin January 1, 2027.

What women can do to reduce their risk:

You can't control your genetics or avoid getting older. But there are ways to be proactive and reduce some risks factors:

• Eat a healthy diet. Limit highly processed foods and added sugar. Opt for lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly, don't smoke and limit alcohol consumption.
• See your doctor for annual wellness-checks.
• Stay up-to-date on annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms or other recommended screening methods advised by your doctor.

High risk assessments for breast cancer:

Ascension Wisconsin offers a specialized service for a high risk assessment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Ascension Wisconsin's Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is designed to identify individuals who may be at a higher risk of developing cancer and create a plan that can lower that risk.

• Medical specialists in this program recommend targeted screenings, a genetic risk assessment, surveillance and follow-up care based on a person's individual risks, then working closely with each person to create a personalized plan and connecting them to the care that's right for them.
• Throughout these targeted screenings, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing follow-up care, the care team provides a personalized wellness plan, including strategies to reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve overall health.
• Once again, the goal is to catch breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Ascension Wisconsin's experienced breast care physicians are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for breast care. When you choose Ascension Wisconsin, you get a multispecialty team that prioritizes early and personalized treatment; this collaboration is made up of board-certified surgeons, breast radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a cancer navigator, and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, financial advocates, research coordinators, lymphedema specialists and additional care team members.

Lindsey N. Clark, MD, FACS is a board-certified general surgeon with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin who serves as the Breast Health Program Medical Director at Ascension All Saints. She specializes in breast surgery and delivers a broad spectrum of surgical treatments, including minimally invasive, both in the outpatient and emergency settings. Dr. Clark sees patients at Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center, 3811 Spring Street in Racine.To schedule an appointment, call 262-687-5850.