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Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October helped to shine a light on the progress made in preventing and treating this deadly disease. But in South Florida awareness alone is not enough. Early detection, and equal access to it, remain our most powerful tools for saving lives.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Florida, with more than 17,000 new cases each year, according to the Florida Cancer Data System. Yet about 30 percent of breast cancers statewide are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment can be harder, more invasive and less likely to succeed.
In Miami-Dade and Broward counties, that trend is even more concerning. Both counties report higher-than-average rates of late-stage diagnosis and mortality, with Broward’s breast cancer death rate at 18.4 per 100,000 women and Miami-Dade’s at 17.1 per 100,000 — higher than the Florida statewide rate of 16.0 per 100,000. These rates underscore the importance of early detection and timely treatment in reducing breast cancer mortality.
Early detection saves lives
Too often, breast cancer is viewed as a disease that mainly affects older women or those with a family history. The truth is that 80-85 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history at all. That is why routine mammograms are critical for every woman, not just those who consider themselves “high risk.”
New guidelines now recommend mammograms beginning at age 40 for most women.
Among Cigna Healthcare customers, 20 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women ages 40-49, and treatment for these younger patients averages about $40,000 per case, higher than that of older patients. These higher costs are often due to the more aggressive nature of breast cancer in younger women, reinforcing why early detection is essential.
Cigna’s data shows breast cancer represents 1 in 5 cancer diagnoses and 1 in 5 oncology dollars spent. The human and economic toll of late detection is too great to ignore.
Disparities persist
South Florida’s cultural richness should be a public health strength. Instead, disparities in access, awareness and follow-up care continue to drive unequal outcomes.
In Miami-Dade County, where more than 70 percent of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, cultural and language barriers can delay screening. Statewide, non-Hispanic Black women face significantly worse breast cancer outcomes, with a five-year survival rate of 81.3 percent, compared with 92.3 percent for White women. Research also shows that Hispanic Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages.
These gaps aren’t just about access to mammograms. They reflect structural barriers; from delayed follow-up appointments to challenges navigating the healthcare system that prevent too many women from receiving timely care.
What South Floridians can do
Our community has the chance to lead by example and focus on what truly saves lives: early detection, equitable access and follow-through.
• Make screening easier: Mammograms should be accessible in every neighborhood.
Expanding mobile mammography programs and community-based clinics can help reach women where they are.
• Encourage self-advocacy: Women know their bodies best. If something feels off, they should insist on further testing.
• Support employees: Employers can help by offering paid time off for preventive care. At The Cigna Group, employees receive a paid “Preventive Care Day” each year to complete screenings like mammograms.
• Promote culturally tailored outreach: Education in Spanish and other languages, led by trusted local voices, can build trust and awareness in underserved communities.
• Use your benefits: During open enrollment, women should confirm that their health plan covers preventive screenings and then take advantage of them.
A local imperative
As a physician, I’ve seen too many women diagnosed late, and I’ve also witnessed the power of early detection: women who caught their cancer early, received effective treatment and went on to thrive. The difference between those two outcomes often comes down to timing and taking action.
South Florida can’t afford to consider early detection as optional. Every woman, in every community, deserves a fair chance at survival. Awareness starts the conversation, but early screening saves lives.
To learn more about the importance of breast cancer screening and preventive care, visit www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/tag?tag=Breast_Cancer.
Dr. Marco Vitiello is Medical Senior Director/Market Medical Executive, Cigna Healthcare, South Florida.
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