At BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack, we provide senior home care for families across Bergen County, NJ, from Hackensack and Emerson to Teaneck, Paramus, and Ridgewood. Every October, women who are working, retired, or caring for someone else ask us the same thing: "When should I be screened, and who can help?"
Quick answer: Breast cancer can affect women at every stage of life, which means it can be you, your mom, or your grandmother. Screening guidance changes with age, so the right plan belongs in a conversation with a doctor. Free screening is available to eligible Bergen County residents through the county's CEED program, and in-home care can help with appointments, meals, medicine reminders, and daily routines during treatment and recovery.
Why does Breast Cancer Awareness Month matter for every woman?
Because breast cancer touches women of every age and every kind of life, whether you are working, retired, or an active family caregiver.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026 and that about 42,140 women will die from the disease. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Risk rises with age, and incidence is highest among women ages 65 to 74.
How much does early detection change the outcome?
A great deal. When breast cancer is found at a localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 99%.
About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, when the cancer is easier to treat. The CDC reports that women ages 50 to 74 who get a mammogram every two years have a 26% lower risk of dying from breast cancer than women who are not screened.
What do screening guidelines say, and how do they change with age?
Guidelines differ by organization and by age, so the right plan depends on each woman's health and history.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years for women ages 40 to 74 and says the evidence is insufficient to weigh the benefits and harms at 75 and older. The American Cancer Society says women can choose to begin annual screening at 40 to 44, should screen every year from 45 to 54, and can then switch to every two years or continue yearly. It also advises continuing as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years.
About one in four breast cancer deaths each year follows a diagnosis after age 75, so a birthday alone is not a reason to stop. Ask her doctor to weigh her overall health, personal risk, and preferences, then write the decision down so everyone involved in her care knows the plan.
Are there free screening options in Bergen County?
Yes. The Bergen County CEED program, run through the Bergen County Department of Health Services, offers free cancer screening services to eligible residents.
CEED stands for Cancer Education and Early Detection. Breast cancer screenings are available for women 40 and over who meet the program's guidelines. To apply, call 201-634-2660 or 201-336-3350. The program serves people without symptoms and does not provide treatment, but it includes education, tracking, and follow-up support.
How can in-home care help with appointments and recovery?
By covering the everyday needs around the medical care, so she can focus on recovery and her family can focus on being present.
Important appointments come first. Our caregivers can help her get there, including rides when she needs them. If you can be there, you go with her. If you cannot, you can join virtually while our caregiver is with her in person.On the days when a little help goes a long way, we provide reminders for meals, medicines, and daily routines, along with personal care, light housekeeping, and companionship. Companionship can include transportation, so getting back out the door to face the day comes with a safety net.
Because we are nurse-led, an RN oversees each care plan, so changes are noticed early and shared with family. We work alongside her oncology team, never in place of it, and we also offer respite care so the family member who has been carrying everything can rest. To talk through a plan, call us at 201.530.8314.
What if you are a working or active family caregiver?
A care manager and regular updates let you stay involved without being everywhere at once.
Many of the women we meet are caring for a parent, a spouse, or a friend while managing a career or a busy retirement. We report back after visits, and you choose your level of involvement, from a short weekly summary to a call every day. The standard of care stays the same.
What can your family do this October?
Start with small steps: check your own mammogram date and your mom's, settle the screening plan with a doctor, and line up help for appointment days.
- Find out when each woman in your family last had a mammogram and whether one is due.
- Ask a doctor how age and health affect screening for her.
- Call the CEED program if cost or insurance is a barrier.
- Decide who goes to appointments in person, who joins virtually, and who arranges rides.
About BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack
We are a nurse-led home care agency, Joint Commission accredited since 2011, with 17 years of experience serving families in Bergen County. Every care plan includes RN oversight, and our in-home care services range from a few hours a week to 24-hour care. Our office is at Kinderkamack Road, Suite 101, Emerson, NJ 07630. Call us any time at 201.530.8314 to talk through what your family needs. We are also growing and hiring nurses and caregivers, so visit our careers page at brightstarcare.com/locations/greater-hackensack/careers/ to learn more.
Local Resources
- Bergen County CEED Program (free cancer screening for eligible residents): 201-634-2660 or 201-336-3350
- Bergen County Division of Senior Services/ADRC: 201-336-7400
- Bergen County Community Transportation: 201-368-5955
- Bergen County Meals on Wheels: 201-336-7420
- American Cancer Society: cancer.org
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a woman start or stop getting mammograms?
There is no single answer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every two years from 40 to 74 and says evidence is insufficient at 75 and older, while the American Cancer Society advises continuing as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years. Her doctor can help weigh the decision.
Does in-home care replace medical care during cancer treatment?
No. We work alongside her medical team and provide everyday support such as appointment help, reminders, personal care, and companionship.
How do I get a free mammogram in Bergen County?
Call the Bergen County CEED program at 201-634-2660 or 201-336-3350 to learn whether you qualify.
Can someone help with rides and appointments?
Yes. Companionship can include transportation, and family members who cannot attend in person can join virtually while a caregiver is there.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer (2026). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/key-statistics.html
- Breastcancer.org. Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics (citing ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2026). https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics
- National Breast Cancer Foundation. 2026 Breast Cancer Statistics One Pager (citing ACS and CDC). https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Breast-Cancer-Statistics-One-Pager.pdf
- Merck Manual Professional Edition. Breast Cancer (updated July 2026). https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/breast-disorders/breast-cancer
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Breast Cancer: Screening, Final Recommendation Statement (April 2024), as published by the New Mexico Department of Health. https://nmhealth.org/resource/view/2433/
- MDedge. American Cancer Society recommendations for breast cancer screening. https://www.mdedge.com/content/american-cancer-society-recommendations-breast-cancer-screening
- American Cancer Society. Statement on the USPSTF breast cancer screening recommendation. https://pressroom.cancer.org/releases?item=1214
- Bergen County Department of Health Services. Cancer Education and Early Detection (CEED). https://co.bergen.nj.us/public-health-nursing/cancer-education-and-early-detection-ceed
- Bergen County Division of Senior Services. Key telephone numbers (2026 Senior Activity Center calendar). https://bergencountynj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/United_Center_2026_02.pdf