Super Bowl Ad Puts Spotlight on Breast Cancer Screening

While all eyes were on the field during Super Bowl LIX, one ad hoped to divert your attention to a different topic: breast cancer screening.

“Let’s give breasts the attention they deserve most,” actress Hailee Steinfeld declares in the ad. She is joined by breast cancer survivor and comedian Wanda Sykes to urge women to spotlight breast health and promote mammograms.

“Over 6 million women watching today’s game may be diagnosed with breast cancer,” the screen reads toward the end of the 60-second spot.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 65% of women 40 and older are up to date on mammography screenings.

“I love this ad. It does such a compelling and engaging job bringing our attention to the importance of breast cancer screening,” said Dana Ataya, MD, a board-certified subspecialized breast radiologist in the Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center. “When breast cancer is caught earlier via screening, it is easier to treat compared with breast cancer detected when it has spread to other parts of the body.”

While average-risk women should begin screening with mammography at age 40, women at high risk for breast cancer should begin screening by age 30. Providers use risk assessment tools to integrate all risk factors — including family history, genetics, age and body weight — to determine a woman’s personal risk of developing breast cancer. The American College of Radiology recommends all women get a risk assessment by age 25.

When breast cancer is caught earlier via screening, it is easier to treat compared with breast cancer detected when it has spread to other parts of the body.

Dana Ataya, MD

Having dense breast tissue is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. About 1 in 2 women have dense breast tissue, which can make cancer more difficult to identify on a mammogram.

“If you have dense breasts, have a discussion with your health care provider and radiologist about additional screening options like ultrasound or breast MRI,” Ataya said. “Your doctor can review your risk factors and perform a risk assessment to help determine whether you are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.”