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Breast Cancer Awareness in the Workplace: Education, Prevention and Support

January 30, 2025 by Hannah Whitesel, PharmD

Hannah Whitesel, director, clinical solutions in collaboration with Darius Dorsey, fourth-year pharmacy student from the University of Health Science and Pharmacy in St. Louis, Missouri 

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in U.S. women.1

A 2020 study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that breast cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat, with annual medical costs reaching $29.8 billion.2  With women making up almost half of the current workforce, the relatively high prevalence of this cancer is certain to impact employers’ health plans and daily operations. Employers can support women by providing education on breast cancer risks, signs of breast cancer, annual screenings and when to visit a doctor.

Breast cancer risk factors

It’s important to remember that exposure to many factors can contribute to breast cancer. Although it’s unlikely a single factor explains a woman’s risk, avoiding certain activities, chemicals and lifestyle choices with known correlations can be a great first step. Addressing both avoidable and unavoidable risks helps women make proactive choices and understand whether they’re at a higher risk for breast cancer.

Avoidable risk factors:

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Poor diet
  • Use of chemical hair straighteners
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Frequent alcohol use

Unavoidable risk factors:

  • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
  • Diagnosis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
  • Early menstruation — before age 12
  • Late menopause — after age 55

Breast cancer screening guidelines

One of the most important aspects of a breast cancer initiative within the workplace is encouraging and incentivizing employees to receive recommended breast cancer screenings. When detected early, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99%. A 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine found patients diagnosed with later stages had more than double the amount of absenteeism compared to those diagnosed early, with estimated indirect cost differences between the two groups ranging from $6,800 to $22,300.3

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for breast cancer screenings4: 

  • Women ages 40-44 can begin annual mammogram screenings. 
  • Women ages 45-54 should undergo annual mammograms. 
  • Women ages 55 and older can transition to biannual screenings or continue annual mammograms. 
  • Women should continue mammogram screenings if their overall health is good, and they have a life expectancy of 10 years or longer. 
  • Women at any age should not rely on manual breast examination for breast cancer screening. 

Breast cancer, alongside many other disease states, disproportionately impacts people of color. An article published in Managed Healthcare Executive discusses the 44% decreased breast cancer mortality risk since 1989, while highlighting the existing disparities amongst different racial and ethnic groups. For instance, although American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) women have a 10% lower incidence of developing breast cancer, AIAN women have a 6% higher rate of mortality. Black women are also disproportionately affected, having a 38% higher breast cancer mortality rate compared to white women. Ensuring socioeconomic factors are addressed within a workforce such as ensuring access to transportation, outofpocket affordability and adequate time away from work all contribute to timely screenings, especially within vulnerable populations. 5 

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Ensuring women are aware of the earliest signs and symptoms can play a factor in early diagnosis. Any unexplained physical changes to the breasts are great cause for consulting a primary care physician for further testing. With breast cancer, early diagnosis and prompt intervention are key, and improving employee education on early symptoms encourages prompt care.

Common breast cancer symptoms include:

  • Changes in breast shape
  • Palpable masses — lumps that can be felt by the touch
  • Changes in skin texture
  • Unexplained swelling or redness
  • Nipple discharge

With breast cancer medication, Verzenio, representing the highest gross cost oncology medication within the Employers Health book of business, our team understands the short and long-term impact breast cancer has on employers and their plan participants. Employer-led educational initiatives can help empower employees to be active advocates for their health care, with the goal of reducing the severity of disease at diagnosis. By creating awareness and encouraging regular screenings, employers can support early detection efforts that improve outcomes and help manage overall health care costs.

For more information contact a member of the Employers Health clinical team at [email protected].


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