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National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It is also a chance to shine a light on something deeply personal—health. At the American Breast Cancer Foundation, we believe this month is not only about honoring heritage but also about creating space to talk openly about the unique challenges Hispanic women and Latinas face when it comes to breast cancer.

The Reality Behind the Numbers

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among Hispanic women. While the numbers tell us Hispanic women are slightly less likely to be diagnosed than white women, the story does not end there. Many are diagnosed later, when treatment options are more complex and outcomes more uncertain. A 2025 study also revealed that Hispanic breast cancer patients are 2.47 times more likely to experience treatment delays of over three months compared to non-Hispanic White patients.

Current research shows a higher risk of aggressive types, such as triple-negative breast cancer, which makes early detection even more critical. A June 2025 study reports that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) prevalence among Hispanic women ranges between 12 percent and 24 percent.

These realities are not just statistics. They represent sisters, mothers, daughters, friends, and neighbors whose lives are deeply affected by barriers that stand in the way of care.

Why Screenings Can Be Hard to Access

For many Hispanic women, there are obstacles that go beyond scheduling an appointment. Language barriers, lack of health insurance, distance to screening centers, and even cultural stigma can all play a role in delaying or preventing care. 

Fear is another silent barrier. The worry about what a mammogram might reveal often keeps women from walking through the door at all.

This is why conversations matter. When breast cancer is caught early, survival rates are much higher. Awareness paired with access is what saves lives.

Taking Steps Toward Health

Not every risk factor can be changed, but small, consistent choices can help reduce risk and support overall wellness. Many of these steps can be woven into daily life:

• Cooking traditional foods with more vegetables and less added fat.
  
• Finding joy in movement, whether it is a family walk after dinner or dancing in the living room.
  
• Cutting back on alcohol, even by a few drinks each week.
  
• Talking with relatives about family health history to understand genetic risks.
  

What matters most is not perfection, but consistency and awareness.

The Power of Knowing Your Normal

While mammograms are essential, self-awareness is equally powerful. Learning what is “normal” for your body helps you notice when something changes. Lumps, swelling, redness, or unusual discharge are signals worth paying attention to. There is no concern too small to bring up with a healthcare provider.

And when it comes to mammograms, support is available. Through ABCF’s Mammogram Assistance Program, women who are uninsured or facing financial challenges can access screenings and diagnostic tests. We believe cost should never stand in the way of care.

A Month to Celebrate and Protect

National Hispanic Heritage Month is about honoring culture and celebrating resilience, but it can also be a time to create new traditions of health. Imagine a future where daughters learn from mothers not only the recipes that have been passed down, but also the importance of knowing their bodies, asking questions, and scheduling screenings.

At ABCF, we are here to walk alongside you. Whether it is offering education, providing financial support for mammograms, or sharing resources in your community, we are committed to ensuring breast health belongs to everyone.

This month, celebrate your heritage, celebrate your strength, and celebrate the power of knowledge. Encourage the women in your life to schedule a screening, share their story, or simply start a conversation.

Because protecting your health is a way of honoring not just yourself, but your family and your community.