Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pink October
Finding it early matters
The Alliance showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Every October, we turn our attention to breast cancer, a disease that continues to affect thousands of women and families across Puerto Rico. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women on the island and a leading cause of cancer death. But there is reason for hope: when breast cancer is detected early, survival is high.
31.4%
of cancers diagnosed in women were breast cancer, 2018–2022
2,410
average breast cancer diagnoses per year, 2018–2022
1 in 9
women in Puerto Rico will develop breast cancer during their lifetime
Know the signs
See your doctor if you notice any of these changes:
Early breast cancer may cause no symptoms. That’s why regular mammograms are so important.
Why finding it early matters
The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of survival. In Puerto Rico, five-year survival varies greatly depending on how far the cancer has spread at diagnosis.
Localized
confined to the breast
96%
Regional
spread to nearby lymph nodes
79%
Distant
spread to other organs
32%
5-year relative survival, cases diagnosed 2013–2017 with follow-up through 2022.
When to get a mammogram
A mammogram can find breast cancer before you can feel it.
- Ages 40 to 74: mammogram every 2 years, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
- The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms from ages 45 to 54, then every 2 years starting at age 55.
- If you are at higher risk, talk with your doctor about whether you should start earlier or need additional tests.
What you can do
- Keep up with your mammograms.
- Move every day, drink less, and watch your weight.
- Ask relatives about cancer in the family and tell your doctor.
- Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel.
Research from and about Puerto Rico
More cases, fewer deaths
From 2000 to 2022, new breast cancer diagnoses increased by about 1.5% each year, while deaths decreased by about 1.3% each year.
Diagnosed later
Compared with non-Hispanic White women in Florida, patients in Puerto Rico more often had larger tumors when diagnosed and lower five-year survival.
Who is falling behind on screening?
In a study of women overdue for screening in Canóvanas, about 1 in 5 had never had a mammogram.
A BRCA2 mutation stands out
A recurring BRCA2 mutation may help researchers better understand hereditary breast cancer in Puerto Rico and inform genetic testing strategies.
More information
These organizations help women in Puerto Rico get screened and get support:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center. Provides free screening and diagnostic follow-up services to eligible women.
787-522-3265
cccupr.org
American Cancer Society Puerto Rico
Offers information, screening resources, financial assistance for eligible patients, and personalized support.
1-888-227-3201
cancerpuertorico.org
Susan G. Komen Puerto Rico
Provides support for screening, diagnostic services, transportation, medications, wigs, and prostheses.
