Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Screening, Early Detection and New Advances in Care

aired; October 30, 2026 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to look at the latest developments in breast cancer research, prevention and treatment. On The Spark, we’ll talk with Dr. Matthew Pierotti, a breast surgeon with UPMC, about why early detection matters and what women should know about their screening options. We’ll discuss mammograms, 3D mammography and breast MRIs, along with how family history, genetics and breast density can influence screening recommendations. We’ll also talk about when women should begin getting screened, how often they should have mammograms and what the FDA’s breast density notification rule means for patients. Dr. Pierotti will help clear up common misconceptions about breast cancer screening and discuss steps women can take to understand their personal risk and make informed decisions about their breast health.