October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on your health. Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among American women. Yet there’s also a powerful reason for hope. When detected early through regular screening, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 99%. For women in Alaska, where access to specialized care can be challenging, early detection through screening mammograms is even more critical.

In Alaska, according to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, approximately 550 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 70 died from the disease. Many of these deaths are preventable. National studies show that regular mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality by about 40% in women who participate in screening programs.

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