Labor Press | Kerri O’Brien | October 6, 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a perfect time to pause, breathe, and take one concrete step for your health. Whether you wear a uniform, carry a badge, keep a bus on schedule, maintain our parks, or staff a city office, you’re essential to your community. This week is about you knowing your risk and making a plan.
Start with your basics. Do you have a primary care provider or OB-GYN you trust? If not, call your benefit fund or health plan today and ask for help finding one. Nothing beats a clinician who knows your history and can tailor screening to you.
Risk isn’t one-size-fits-all. Age, family history, genetics, hormone use, and lifestyle all matter. Don’t get lost in statistics—get personal. Ask your clinician: “Based on my age and risk, what screening is right for me, and how often?” For many, that means regular mammography; for some, it may also include ultrasound or MRI. If you’ve had an abnormal result before, schedule your follow-up before you leave the office. Put it in your calendar and set reminders.
If anxiety is getting in the way, say so. There are ways to make screening less stressful—bringing a friend, scheduling the first appointment of the day, asking for a longer slot, or getting clear explanations before you go in. And remember: screening finds problems earlier, when treatment is most effective.
Use the benefits you’ve earned. Many union plans cover preventive screenings at low or no out-of-pocket cost. Your plan can verify coverage, connect you to in-network imaging centers near where you live or work, and even help with scheduling. If you run into a barrier—paperwork, time off, referrals—ask your union or benefit office to help you navigate it.
Bring a buddy. Solidarity saves lives. Invite a coworker to book with you, carpool to the imaging center, and de-brief over coffee. A little accountability goes a long way.
Breast cancer can affect anyone. While it’s more common in women, men can develop it too. Transgender and non-binary members should follow screening guidance based on their current anatomy, hormone use, and medical history. If you’re unsure, ask a clinician directly what applies to you.
Bottom line for this week: pick up the phone and make the appointment—or confirm you’re on the right cadence. Then nudge a friend to do the same.
Have a story or tip your local should hear? Send it to Kerri: [email protected]. And for shareable reminders all month, follow LaborPress on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
