Breast Cancer Won’t Wait: Prevention and Resources in Massachusetts
Getting Serious About Breast Cancer
Every diagnosis arrives unexpectedly and changes the lives of entire families.
October is commemorated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
While some feel inspired, many people diagnosed with breast cancer feel that the month overlooks their personal experience with the disease.
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Hispanic/Latina women, with over 31,000 new cases each year.
Latina women tend to have a slightly lower incidence rate compared to non-Hispanic white women.
However, they are more frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, which complicates treatment and worsens outcomes. In Massachusetts, between 2016 and 2020, approximately 79% of cases were detected in early stages.
But still, 3% were diagnosed at the metastatic stage, where the chances of a cure are much lower.
Dana-Farber and its Commitment this Pink October
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the global leaders in oncology, once again leads initiatives in October focused on community and medical innovation.
This 2025, they highlight:
- Young and Strong Event (October 3, Boston): In-person meeting with workshops, panels, and educational talks aimed at young women with breast cancer.
- EMBRACing Young and Strong Socials (October 9 and 23, online): Virtual meetings for patients with metastatic breast cancer, providing safe spaces for support and accompaniment.
- Dana-Farber maintains support groups and educational seminars throughout October, directed at patients and families.
- New Research Program: Dana-Farber launched a pioneering project to study lobular breast cancer, thus reinforcing its leadership in the search for more effective treatments.
- Digital Education: Throughout October, they share self-examination guides and testimonials on social media, bringing prevention closer to more people in an accessible way.
Five Essential Questions About Breast Cancer Prevention
Dr. Suniti Nimbkar is a surgical oncologist and Medical Director of the Breast Care Center at Dana-Farber Brigham in South Shore Health.
In an article published by Dr. Nimbkar, five fundamental questions that everyone should know are highlighted:
1. How important are screening tests?
Mammography does not prevent breast cancer but it does allow for detection in early stages, when it is more treatable and has better outcomes.
2. When should screening tests begin?
For women at average risk, mammograms should start at age 40 and be performed annually until age 75.
Those at higher risk should receive personalized evaluations.
3. What risk factors exist?
Some cannot be modified (being female, age, family history), but others can.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking, breastfeeding, limiting alcohol consumption, and following a balanced diet can reduce risks.
4. What symptoms should concern us?
Changes in breast size or shape, lumps, nipple changes, redness, or skin changes should be evaluated by a specialist.
5. What treatment options are available?
Each patient receives an individualized plan with a team that includes medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
Breaking Common Myths
Many myths circulate in the Latina community about breast cancer that can delay prevention and put health at risk.
One of the most frequent is believing that “if I don’t have a family history, I can’t get it.”
This is false: the majority of diagnoses occur in women with no family history, so everyone should be vigilant.
Another common myth is that “mammography hurts too much.” While it may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, the procedure is quick and the information it provides can save a life.
There is also the mistaken idea that “breast cancer only affects women,” when in reality men can also develop it.
Although in men it is a smaller proportion, they are often diagnosed at more advanced stages because they do not consider themselves to be at risk.
Speaking openly about these myths and debunking them with reliable information is essential for more people to feel encouraged to get checked in time.
Available Resources in Massachusetts
These are some reliable resources you can access:
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – screening, support, and education programs.
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) – accessible oncology services in Spanish.
- American Cancer Society – toll-free line in Spanish 1-800-227-2345.
- Health Connector – health coverage for mammograms and preventive care.
- My Health Fair – reliable resources in Spanish, specialized articles, and virtual booths.
How to Support a Loved One
A breast cancer diagnosis is not lived alone: it deeply impacts the person who is ill and also their family, partner, children, and close circle.
Emotional and practical support is just as important as medical treatment.
If someone close receives this news, it is essential to accompany them in the medical process: go to appointments together, help organize studies, and be a constant support during moments of uncertainty.
Experts advise avoiding phrases that minimize emotional pain such as “be strong” or “everything will be fine,” and instead validate what the person is feeling, with empathy and active listening.
When there are young children, the question arises of whether or not to tell them about the situation.
Specialists recommend speaking sincerely, adapted to their age, avoiding hiding the diagnosis.
Children usually perceive that something is happening and can feel confused or insecure if they do not receive clear explanations.
In the case of couples, another challenge is intimate life and body image.
Many women face surgeries that involve the loss of one or both breasts, which can generate feelings of insecurity, grief over the loss of a body part, and fear of rejection.
Psychologists recommend maintaining open communication with the partner, talking about the physical and emotional changes, and seeking therapeutic support if necessary.
Intimacy can be rebuilt from trust and mutual care, beyond the physical.
Finally, it is also important to acknowledge caregivers.
They often experience stress, exhaustion, and feelings of guilt.
Accessing support groups or counseling helps them care for their own mental health and be in better condition to provide support.
Supporting a loved one with breast cancer means walking the process together: sustaining them with words, actions, and presence, recognizing that every step forward is a shared achievement.
