Beyond Pink Ribbons: Making Your Mammogram a Priority This October
October brings pink ribbons everywhere, but behind every symbol is a real woman making real decisions about her health. Maybe that woman is you—juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and wondering if you really need to add “schedule mammogram” to your already overwhelming to-do list. This month, let’s move beyond awareness to empowerment—because every woman deserves knowledge, support, and the confidence to take charge of her breast health journey.
At CRL Women’s Imaging, we’re dedicated to serving women like you in communities across the Twin Cities metro area. We see women every day who are busy, maybe a little nervous, and definitely want straight answers. We’re here to give you the facts without the medical jargon, the support without the judgment, and the guidance to help you feel confident about your choices.
Why October Matters: Beyond the Pink Ribbons
Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about action. This October, we’re challenging women to move from knowing about breast health to actively protecting it. At CRL Women’s Imaging, we follow the guidelines of the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging, which recommend annual mammograms starting at 40 based on extensive research showing this approach saves the most lives¹. As breast imaging specialists, we’ve seen firsthand how annual screening leads to earlier detection and better outcomes for our patients.
The reality check: One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. But when caught early through regular screening, the five-year survival rate jumps to 99%. That’s not just a statistic—that’s hope, family dinners, and watching your kids graduate.
Understanding Your Personal Risk: It’s More Than Family History
Many women think, “Cancer doesn’t run in my family, so I’m safe.” The truth? About 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Your risk factors include:
- Age (risk increases after 40)
- Dense breast tissue (affects about half of women over 40)
- Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, alcohol consumption)
- Reproductive history (age at first pregnancy, menstrual history)
Since September 2024, the FDA requires all mammography facilities to notify you about your breast density⁴. Dense breast tissue isn’t just more difficult to read on mammograms—it’s also associated with higher cancer risk⁵. At CRL Women’s Imaging, our 3D mammography technology significantly improves cancer detection, especially in dense tissue.
When Cancer Touches Your Circle: How to Truly Support Someone
Maybe a friend, family member, or neighbor just received a diagnosis or is navigating callbacks and biopsies. During these frightening times, knowing how to help can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to provide meaningful support:
Practical support that matters:
- Offer specific help: “Can I pick up groceries Tuesday?” instead of “Let me know if you need anything”
- Drive them to appointments—parking and navigating medical buildings while anxious can be overwhelming
- Send encouraging texts, but don’t expect immediate responses
- Continue including them in normal activities—they need life to feel normal too
What NOT to do:
- Share stories about other people’s cancer experiences
- Offer medical advice or alternative treatment suggestions
- Make their diagnosis about your fears
- Disappear because you don’t know what to say
Sometimes the most powerful support is simply showing up consistently.
The Financial Reality: Making Screening Accessible
We know healthcare costs are a real concern. Here’s what you should know about mammogram coverage:
- Insurance coverage: Most insurance plans cover annual mammograms at 100% starting at age 40
- Dense breast notifications: New FDA requirements mean you’ll be informed if you have dense breasts so you can discuss additional screening options with your doctor.
- Financial assistance: Local organizations like SAGE at the Minnesota Department of Health often provide screening assistance for uninsured or underinsured women.
Making Peace with Uncertainty: When Results Aren’t Clear-Cut
About one in ten women are called back for additional imaging, usually so we can take a closer look or compare the findings with the prior images. At CRL Women’s Imaging, we understand that a callback can feel stressful, even when it’s a routine part of screening. That’s why we’ve designed our process around your peace of mind. We schedule follow-up appointments promptly and share results as quickly as possible, helping you spend less time waiting and worrying.
Here’s what helps during the waiting:
- Keep in mind that more than 9 out of 10 women called back for additional imaging can return to their normal annual screening routine
- Bring a support person to follow-up appointments
- Ask questions—our radiologists and technologists want you to understand what’s happening
- Focus on what you can control: showing up, following through, taking care of yourself
Why CRL Women’s Imaging Chooses the Highest Standards
At CRL Women’s Imaging, excellence isn’t just our goal—it’s our heritage. As part of Consulting Radiologists, Ltd., we carry forward a legacy of evidence-based care that began in 1929. While CRL’s trusted network serves over 125 healthcare facilities across Minnesota and the surrounding region, we’ve built something distinct: a practice dedicated exclusively to women’s imaging. Our team of board-certified breast imaging radiologists brings specialized expertise to every patient, every scan, every day. Our singular focus is you—and the dedicated care your breast health deserves.
When it comes to breast imaging, we don’t settle for “good enough.” We follow the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Society of Breast Imaging guidelines because they represent the absolute gold standard in our field. These aren’t just checkboxes—they’re the framework that guides every mammogram, every ultrasound, and every biopsy we perform.
Here’s what truly sets us apart: behind every mammogram you receive is a board-certified breast imaging radiologist. These radiologists have dedicated their careers to breast imaging and have received specialized training and certification in this field. Our outcomes consistently exceed national benchmarks because you’re getting expert analysis on every image.
We’re part of something bigger—a legacy of precision, a commitment to advancing care, and a team that never stops learning. That’s the CRL difference, and it’s what we bring to CRL Women’s Imaging every single day.
Comprehensive Care in Edina
At CRL Women’s Imaging, we combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care. Our 3D mammography, diagnostic biopsy capabilities, and nurse navigation services create a comprehensive approach to breast health that supports you well beyond your time in our clinic.
“October gives me a chance to reflect on why I became a breast imaging radiologist. Behind every mammogram is a woman who deserves our absolute best—the most advanced technology, the highest standards, and the compassionate care that helps her feel confident about protecting her health. When a woman leaves our clinic feeling empowered rather than anxious, we’ve succeeded.”
– Jillian Karow, MD, Medical Director, CRL Women’s Imaging
This October: Your Health Action Plan
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is your annual reminder that your health isn’t negotiable. This isn’t about fear—it’s about taking control.
Your October checklist:
- Schedule now if you’re due for screening
- Encourage the women in your life to stay current with their mammograms
- Learn your family history and share it with your healthcare providers
- Support breast cancer research and local patient services
October’s pink ribbons and awareness events may give way to November’s fall festivities, but the screening you schedule today can have a lasting impact on your health for years to come. Make this October count.