Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that early detection saves lives, and Hawaii Pacific Health is pushing women to get screened year-round.

• Women at average risk should get a mammogram every year starting at 40, plus a yearly exam with their doctor and monthly self-checks.
• Women with a strong family history or a known gene mutation should start at 30 and add MRI or ultrasound screening.
• Lumps, skin changes, rashes, or discharge are usually not cancer, but they should always be checked out.
• Dense breast tissue raises risk and makes small cancers harder to spot on a mammogram, so knowing your density matters.
• Hawaii Pacific Health's high-risk program at Kapiolani Women's Center offers risk scores, genetic testing, and prevention plans, and mammograms can be booked online without a referral.

Outlook: Fundraising for a new cancer center at Kapiolani continues, with a local apparel partnership sending all proceeds to the project.