October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder to follow recommended screenings, recognize health changes, and understand your individual risk factors.
Mammograms play an essential role in detecting breast cancer before symptoms appear. However, knowing which screenings you need, when to schedule them, and whether additional evaluation is appropriate requires more than following a standard checklist.
Women’s preventive health begins with understanding the individual: her medical history, family history, lifestyle, risk factors, and how her health changes over time.
At Marquis MD, we believe that meaningful preventive care begins with a relationship. A physician who knows your history, understands your concerns, and takes the time to evaluate your overall health builds a foundation for more personalized, proactive, and coordinated care.
Why Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Important?
Observed each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to breast cancer, the importance of recommended screening, and the value of recognizing changes that may require medical evaluation. It is also an opportunity to encourage conversations about individual breast cancer risk, including family history and other factors that may influence screening decisions.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, excluding skin cancers, accounting for about 1 in 3 new cancers in women each year. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Although breast cancer occurs primarily in women, men can develop the disease as well, accounting for less than 1% of breast cancer cases in the United States.
For Marquis MD, Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s message goes beyond awareness. It reinforces the importance of knowing your individual risk, staying current with appropriate screenings, discussing new or unusual changes with your physician, and having a follow-up plan when additional evaluation is needed.
Why Does Early Detection Start Before a Screening?
Early detection involves identifying disease at an earlier stage, sometimes before symptoms develop. Preventive screenings are important tools in this process, but determining which tests are appropriate begins with understanding a person’s medical history and individual risk factors.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes that a comprehensive medical history is one of the most important components of preventive care. Family history, previous health concerns, and individual circumstances help physicians determine which evaluations and preventive services are appropriate.
Consider two women of the same age. Both may qualify for routine breast cancer screening, but one has a strong family history of breast cancer, while the other has no known inherited risk factors.
Their recommended screening strategies may differ. Preventive healthcare should include ongoing conversations about personal risk, past screening results, new symptoms, and health changes.
How Does Family History Influence Women’s Health?
Family history can help identify an increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular conditions, and other diseases. Knowing which relatives were affected, their ages at diagnosis, and the conditions involved can guide preventive care decisions.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), having a first-degree relative with breast cancer increases a woman’s risk of developing the disease.
However, family history is only one component of risk.
Age, inherited genetic variants, previous breast conditions, breast density, certain reproductive factors, and lifestyle-related factors can also influence breast cancer risk.
The NCI explains that risk assessment tools can help physicians estimate an individual’s likelihood of developing breast cancer, although these estimates have limitations.
For women with a strong family history or other concerning risk factors, additional assessment or genetic counseling may be appropriate.
Importantly, women without a family history of breast cancer can still develop the disease. Even if no relatives have been diagnosed with breast cancer, recommended screening is still essential.
What Health Screenings for Women Are Most Important?
Important health screenings for women include breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, blood pressure assessment, and screening for certain metabolic conditions. Osteoporosis screening and other preventive evaluations may also be appropriate depending on age and individual risk factors.
Preventive care recommendations vary by woman. The Women’s Preventive Services Initiative, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), addresses preventive services across women’s lives, including cancer screening, mental health, reproductive health, and other health concerns.
A physician can help determine which services are appropriate based on current evidence and individual circumstances.
Breast Cancer Screening
Mammography is the primary screening tool used to detect breast cancer in women without symptoms.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women at average risk have several age-based screening recommendations:
- Ages 40–44: Women can choose to begin annual mammography.
- Ages 45–54: Annual mammography is recommended.
- Ages 55 and older: Women may continue annual screening or transition to mammography every two years, provided they remain in good health and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.
Encouraging evidence also supports the emphasis on screening and early detection. Breast cancer death rates in the United States declined by 44% between 1989 and 2023. The American Cancer Society attributes this progress largely to advances in treatment, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer screening can identify precancerous changes and certain cancers before symptoms develop.
Screening may involve a Pap test, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, or both.
Recommendations vary by age, medical history, and the guideline being followed.
In January 2026, HRSA announced updated cervical cancer screening guidance that includes an option for self-collected samples for HPV testing among average-risk women ages 30–65.
The updated guidelines take effect for most applicable health insurance plans beginning in 2027. These developments reflect the importance of keeping preventive care recommendations current rather than relying on screening schedules established years earlier.
Women should discuss appropriate screening methods and intervals with their healthcare professionals, particularly if they have previous abnormal results, a history of cervical disease, or other risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening can identify cancer at an earlier stage and detect certain precancerous growths before they develop into cancer.
The American Cancer Society’s 2026 colorectal cancer screening guideline continues to recommend beginning screening at age 45 for adults at average risk.
Recommended screening methods include stool-based tests and visual examinations such as colonoscopy. The updated guideline also addresses blood-based screening options, but it does not prefer them over established methods because they have limitations in detecting precancerous lesions and early-stage cancer.
Women with a family history of colorectal cancer, certain inherited conditions, or previous abnormal findings may require earlier or more frequent screening.
Choosing an appropriate test involves discussing individual risk, available options, and the importance of completing recommended follow-up.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Women’s preventive health extends well beyond cancer screening.
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood glucose
- Weight-related health concerns and other cardiovascular risk factors may require periodic evaluation.
A woman’s reproductive and pregnancy history can also provide important information about future cardiovascular health.
For example, a history of gestational diabetes or certain pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders may influence long-term risk assessment.
Preventive conversations should also address physical activity, nutrition, smoking, sleep, and other factors that contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Bone Health and Osteoporosis Screening
Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, particularly among older adults.
Bone density testing can help identify osteoporosis and guide fracture-prevention decisions.
The USPSTF’s 2025 recommendations support osteoporosis screening for women ages 65 and older, as well as younger postmenopausal women with certain risk factors.
A physician may also evaluate factors such as previous fractures, medication use, family history, and other conditions affecting bone health.
Together, these considerations demonstrate why preventive care should evolve as a woman’s health needs change.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer Women Should Know?
The symptoms of breast cancer may include a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or unusual nipple discharge. However, early breast cancer may not produce noticeable symptoms, making recommended screening particularly important.
According to the CDC, possible warning signs include:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin around the nipple or breast
- Nipple retraction or unusual discharge
- Persistent breast or nipple pain
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer.
Many breast changes result from benign conditions, including cysts, hormonal changes, and other noncancerous causes.
Nevertheless, new or unusual changes deserve medical attention.
Can Breast Cancer Develop Without Symptoms?
Yes. Breast cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms, particularly during its earlier stages.
The National Cancer Institute explains that early breast cancer frequently causes no symptoms, which is why screening mammography remains an important preventive tool.
Understanding what the signs of breast cancer are is still essential because screening and diagnostic evaluation serve different purposes.
Screening tests are intended for individuals without symptoms. When a woman notices a concerning change, her physician may recommend diagnostic imaging or additional evaluation.
A recent normal mammogram does not mean she should ignore new symptoms. Women should become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and communicate concerning changes to their physicians.
Why Is Establishing a Health Baseline Important for Women?
A health baseline documents relevant information about a woman’s current health, including medical history, existing conditions, medications, risk factors, and previous test results. This information helps physicians interpret future changes and adjust preventive care recommendations as needed.
Establishing a baseline is especially valuable when beginning a relationship with a new primary care physician.
A comprehensive initial evaluation offers an opportunity to review past medical concerns, family history, current medications, screening history, lifestyle factors, and personal health priorities.
It also creates space to discuss concerns that may not fit neatly into a routine screening checklist.
For example, changes in sleep, energy, menstrual patterns, weight, or exercise tolerance may warrant discussion depending on a woman’s age and clinical circumstances.
Not every change requires testing. Some reflect expected life transitions, while others warrant further evaluation. A physician familiar with a woman’s medical history can help determine the appropriate next steps.
At Marquis MD, comprehensive initial evaluations lay that foundation. Our physicians take the time to understand each member’s health history, current concerns, and preventive priorities before developing an individualized approach to ongoing care.
What Happens When a Screening or Symptom Requires Further Evaluation?
An abnormal screening result or concerning symptom may require additional imaging, diagnostic testing, or specialist consultation. Screening results do not always establish a diagnosis, and appropriate follow-up is necessary to determine what a finding means.
For example, an abnormal mammogram does not automatically indicate breast cancer.
Depending on the findings, a physician may recommend additional mammographic views, ultrasound, or a biopsy.
The National Cancer Institute emphasizes the importance of follow-up after abnormal mammograms or new breast changes, even though many findings ultimately prove to be benign.
For women managing several healthcare appointments, this process can become complicated.
Additional testing may involve different facilities, specialists, medical records, and recommendations.
Care coordination helps connect these steps.
In fact, the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative recommends patient navigation services for breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up when appropriate, based on individual needs. These services can include assistance with healthcare access, referrals, education, and coordination.
At Marquis MD, our concierge approach emphasizes continuity throughout the healthcare experience.
When additional evaluation is needed, our physicians and care coordination team can help members understand recommendations, facilitate specialist appointments, and maintain communication across their care.
The objective is to provide a more connected healthcare experience rather than leaving each member to coordinate every step independently.
How Does Concierge Medicine Support Women’s Preventive Health?
Concierge medicine supports women’s preventive health by offering more time for medical conversations, ongoing relationships with their physician, personalized preventive planning, and help coordinating care. These features may make it easier to address concerns and manage recommended evaluations over time.
For women balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, and personal health needs, preventive appointments can sometimes feel like another obligation.
However, meaningful preventive care requires more than checking off an annual list.
It requires opportunities to discuss new concerns, review changing risk factors, and make informed health decisions.
At Marquis MD, our approach emphasizes several important elements.
Time for meaningful conversations. Comprehensive appointments allow physicians to review health histories, discuss concerns, and explain appropriate preventive recommendations.
Continuity with a physician who knows you. An ongoing relationship provides context for interpreting new symptoms, previous findings, and changes in health.
Personalized preventive planning. Screening and diagnostic recommendations reflect established medical evidence alongside individual risk factors and health priorities.
Access when concerns arise. Marquis MD gives members 24/7 direct access to a physician, so they can seek guidance when new health concerns arise.
Coordinated specialist care. When additional expertise is needed, our team facilitates referrals and communication among healthcare professionals.
No healthcare model can guarantee early detection or prevent every disease.
However, having an established physician relationship, appropriate preventive screening, and coordinated follow-up can support informed healthcare decisions throughout a woman’s life.
Women’s Health Deserves More Than a Screening Checklist
Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that recommended mammograms, awareness of breast changes, and timely medical evaluation are important components of women’s health.
But it also offers an opportunity to think more broadly about prevention.
Age-based recommendations alone cannot fully capture a woman’s healthcare needs. Her medical history, family history, risk factors, concerns, and personal priorities all contribute to informed preventive care.
At Marquis MD, we believe women’s healthcare should be proactive, personal, and coordinated.
It starts with a physician who takes the time to understand you, establish a meaningful health baseline, and recommend appropriate preventive evaluations.
It continues through ongoing communication, evidence-based screenings, and thoughtful coordination when you need additional care.
Experience a More Personal Approach to Women’s Health at Marquis MD
Your health deserves more than a standard checklist.
At Marquis MD, our physicians provide comprehensive preventive evaluations, personalized primary care, and coordinated healthcare designed around each member’s individual needs.
Whether you want to review your preventive screenings, better understand your family history, or establish a lasting relationship with a physician who knows you, our team is here to help.
Contact Marquis MD at (888) 354-7537 or begin a conversation online to learn more about membership and our approach to preventive healthcare.
