Beyond Genetics: Why Every Woman Needs Breast Cancer Screening

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual reminder of the critical importance of proactive breast health. While public health campaigns have successfully raised awareness about hereditary risks, a widespread misconception persists — many women believe that without a family history of breast cancer, routine mammograms are unnecessary.

In reality, inherited gene mutations — such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 — account for only 5% to 10% of all breast cancer diagnoses. That leaves a staggering 90% of cases classified as “sporadic,” occurring in women with no known genetic predisposition or family history of the disease.

“The most common risk factors for breast cancer are simply being a woman and aging,” said Kelley Smith, DO, FACOS, board-certified general surgeon at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “We frequently hear patients say, ‘nobody in my family has ever had breast cancer, so I don't need to worry.’ However, the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer are the very first in their families to face it.”

The development of non-hereditary breast cancer is influenced by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, age, dense breast tissue, lifestyle habits and cellular mutations that occur over a lifetime. Because these factors often develop quietly without symptoms, relying on family history alone leaves millions of women vulnerable to late-stage diagnoses.

Annual screenings serve as a first line of defense for every woman starting at age 40, regardless of her family tree. Mammograms can detect microscopic changes and tumors long before they can be felt during a physical examination.

It also is important for women to understand that screening recommendations may vary based on individual risk. A woman’s age, breast density, personal health history and other factors can help determine the most appropriate screening schedule. Talking with a health care provider about these factors can help women understand their individual risk and make informed decisions about when and how often to receive mammograms.

“Early detection transforms outcomes,” said Suzanne Iorfido, DO, chief of breast imaging at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “When breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages through routine imaging, the five-year survival rate is higher than 95%. Waiting for symptoms to appear or assuming you are safe because of a clear family medical history delays essential care. Mammography is designed to protect everyone, not just those with high hereditary risk.”