MARLBOROUGH, Mass.– Global women’s health leader Hologic, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOLX) will mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by ringing the Nasdaq opening bell for the 19th consecutive year. The company will also continue its #BustTheMyth patient education campaign, following new survey results that reveal nearly half of women recommended for a mammogram either skip or delay the exam.
According to the findings, a significant number of women remain misinformed about breast cancer risk and screening. Nearly one in four women between the ages of 18 and 39 incorrectly believe that leading a healthy lifestyle completely eliminates breast cancer risk. Two-thirds of respondents did not know that having dense breasts increases risk, and many mistakenly thought density could be determined by touch. The survey also found that more than one in four women are unaware that average-risk women should begin annual mammograms at age 40, while one in five do not realize that women under 40 are also at risk.
“For 40 years, Hologic has been dedicated to developing and advancing innovative technologies, including those that detect and treat breast cancer,” said Steve MacMillan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hologic. “However, our technologies can only make a difference if women are screened, and unfortunately, there are still far too many women who are missing their annual mammogram. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is incumbent upon all of us to spread the word about the importance of early detection.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. When detected early, the disease has a survival rate of 99 percent, with mammography continuing to serve as the gold standard in early detection.
Through traditional and social media outreach, educational emails, materials for doctor’s offices, and relatable stories from women worldwide, Hologic’s #BustTheMyth campaign aims to dismantle misconceptions about breast cancer and screening.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection of a disease that has such a high survival rate when caught early,” said Mark Horvath, President of Breast & Skeletal Health Solutions at Hologic. “We hope that the Bust the Myth campaign will continue to help break down barriers around screening, educate patients about breast density, and help more women receive potentially lifesaving care.”
