By: Connie Fox, Sussex County Women’s Committee Chair
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a good reminder for all of us, women and men, to take care of our health. Life on the farm keeps us busy, and it’s easy to put ourselves last, but early detection truly makes a difference in many cases. When your doctor recommends it and your insurance allows, getting a yearly mammogram can help catch breast cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.
Many doctors encourage women to begin screenings during their childbearing years, often in their late twenties or thirties, depending on personal and family history. And while breast cancer is far more common in women, men can get it too, even though it’s rare.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025 more than 42,000 women and over 500 men in the United States lost their lives to breast cancer. It remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women, just behind lung cancer. This difference is often connected to later stage diagnoses, barriers to care, and other health concerns. It reminds us how important access to care and early detection is for everyone.
Most breast cancers are diagnosed between ages 65 and 74, but staying aware of your body matters at every age. Many women choose to do a monthly self exam, often in the shower when the skin is moist and easier to check. If you ever feel a lump or notice a change, remember that not all lumps are cancerous, but it’s always worth talking to your doctor.
If breast cancer is found early, treatment options are much better, and many women go on to live long, healthy lives after surgery or other care.
