New Breast Cancer Survey Shows Concern not Always Leading to Screening in Women 40 and Over, According to MedStar Health

COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national survey from MedStar Health reveals that three in four women are concerned about developing breast cancer in their lifetime, yet less than half of women over 40 are getting regular mammograms—and more than eight in 10 say they prioritize other tasks ahead of their health. The results show that women are worried about breast cancer, yet there is a disconnect between concern and taking action.

Among the most concerning findings: more than half of women over 40 (52%) have not received a mammogram in the past year. At the same time, one in three women still believe breast cancer always presents as a lump, and a quarter believe family history is required to develop the disease, despite decades of evidence to the contrary.

"Women are concerned about breast cancer, and that concern is a powerful starting point," said Candace Mainor, MD, medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. "When women have clear, trusted information, they feel more confident scheduling their mammograms. Early detection saves lives, and we're committed to helping every woman take that step."

The survey found widespread misconceptions about breast cancer symptoms and risk factors:

• 33% of women believe breast cancer always presents as a lump, even though many cases do not.
• 25% believe a family history is required to develop breast cancer, despite most breast cancers occurring in women without one.
• 30% of women believe mammograms expose people to dangerous levels of radiation.

"These myths can unfortunately give women a false sense of security," said Meghan Letts Milburn, MD, chief of Breast Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. "Breast cancer doesn't always show up as a lump, and you don't need a family history to be at risk. Regular mammograms remain the best tool we have for early detection and do not pose a radiation risk."

Despite data showing that three in four women are concerned about breast cancer, under one in five (just 18%) of women say they prioritize their own health needs before other responsibilities. This underscores how easily preventive care can fall down the priority list.

"Women are trying to balance work, caregiving, and daily responsibilities, and their own health often falls last," Dr. Mainor said. "But understanding your personal risk and getting screened on time can save your life."

The good news is that the survey shows strong understanding that breast cancer is survivable when caught early, with 94% of women answering 'true' to that statement. The next step is encouraging women to schedule regular mammograms so breast cancer can be detected early.

"Early detection changes everything," Dr. Milburn said. "When breast cancer is found early, treatment is more effective, less invasive, and outcomes are significantly better."

MedStar Health's free Health Risk Assessment for breast cancer can help women better understand their own level of risk. To learn more, visit: MedStarHealth.org/BreastHRA

To view and download the full results of MedStar Health's new survey, click here.

SOURCE MedStar Health