Hundreds of thousands of women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, but early detection and treatment make a tremendous impact on their outcomes. Thanks to improvements in screening and care, the death rate from breast cancer among U.S. women dropped 44% between 1989 and 2022.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual event that’s observed around the world to promote regular screening s as well as support for patients and survivors. During this time, you can support this cause by donating to organizations that provide essential care and resources to patients, educating yourself and others about breast health to promote early detection, and wearing pink or a pink ribbon to show solidarity and spark meaningful conversations.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a meaningful time of year for team members at GoHealth. As a Medicare-focused digital health company, caring is built into our culture, and for many of us the fight against breast cancer is personal. Heading into Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, several GoHealth employees shared how breast cancer has touched their lives.
Courtney Clark, Talent and Engagement Specialist
When Courtney Clark’s Aunt Jeannie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, her family rallied together. They helped Jeannie and her three daughters throughout her treatment and recovery, finding support in both their local community and through the nonprofit organization Susan G. Komen, which provided education and opportunities for action.
“It became a time of unity, love, and awareness,” Courtney said. “We donated funds, joined walks, and made it a priority to visit and uplift her throughout her chemo journey. That experience reminded us how important it is to show up — both for those fighting and for their loved ones walking beside them.”
In Courtney’s view, having that strong support system is a major reason why Jeannie was able to recover fully. She’s still in remission today.
“I truly believe that being surrounded by people who listen, care, and show up helps with healing — not just for the person battling cancer, but for everyone supporting them,” Courtney said.
Because of her family’s history with the disease, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is especially meaningful for Courtney. She’s seen how valuable it is to encourage others to share their stories, take advantage of available resources, and to get screened annually, especially if their family has a history of breast cancer.
“Watching my Aunt Jeannie and our family navigate her breast cancer journey showed me how powerful empathy and community can be,” Courtney said. “When people come together — to listen, check in, donate, or simply be present — it creates a strength that carries everyone through. It reminded me that healing happens not only in treatment, but in connection, love, and the willingness to walk beside someone in their hardest moments.”
Jamie Jones, Human Resources Business Partner
Jamie Jones’ mother was 45 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she worked in the local clinic and hospital system, she had not been to the doctor herself since the birth of her youngest daughter, which was over 16 years earlier.
After the diagnosis, Jamie’s mom received an outpouring of support from her coworkers and healthcare providers. A neighbor who worked as a nurse at the same clinic even visited their house to change a bandage after an invasive biopsy.
“My mom to this day still talks about her coworkers and how kind they were to her when she was going through her treatments,” Jamie said. “She felt loved and supported. You may not know what to do or say, but the acknowledgement and empathy can go a long way. The littlest things make a big difference when your world is turned upside down.”
Jamie’s mom has now been cancer-free for 26 years. One of the lessons Jamie learned along the way was never to skip an annual wellness check. In her view, looking after your health is part of fulfilling your responsibility to the loved ones who need you in their lives.
“I know how personally scary it can feel to have to go because of my mom’s history of breast cancer, but knowing is better than not knowing,” she said.
Maria Alamillo, Case Management
Maria Alamillo wants people to know that, even if your family doesn’t have a history of breast cancer, it’s vital to stay alert for the signs. Two of her sisters were diagnosed, one of them with an especially aggressive case. To compound the difficulty for her family, the diagnoses occurred while her father’s health was simultaneously on the decline.
“We took it one day at a time,” Maria said.
Both Maria’s sisters ultimately went into remission and are still with her. However, Maria took away an important lesson about the importance of catching the signs of breast cancer as early as possible. She regularly checks herself and makes certain to get an annual mammogram.
“Schedule your mammogram and please do self-checks as well,” Maria said. “If something feels suspicious, reach out to your doctor immediately.”
Shelley McArthur, Member Services Agent III/Case Manager
Shelley McArthur has seen how patients struggle with breast cancer and treatment, including an acquaintance who needed a mastectomy. She worries that too many people are still delaying getting checked because they’re afraid of the results or think the screening process might hurt. To her, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to reassure people that a mammogram isn’t painful or frightening.
“I was scared to get mine because of all the horror stories I read online,” Shelley said. “It’s not scary at all! And it’s very quick.”
Shelley wants to encourage her coworkers to support people who are living with breast cancer. It’s a powerful thing to reach out to someone who is contending with a major health challenge and let them tell you how you can help.
“Rally around each other and make people going through treatment for cancer feel seen and heard,” Shelley said.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that we can take proactive steps to catch this potentially deadly disease early and avert the worst outcomes. At GoHealth, we understand that community and caring are essential to breast cancer detection, treatment, and recovery.
