Breast Cancer Awareness Month & MSK Direct

October 1, 2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the NYCDCC Fund Office would like to share resources from our partners at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and MSK Direct. MSK is an in-network provider for NYCDCC Welfare Fund participants with coverage through either Independence Administrators and/or UnitedHealthCare.

Risk Factors

According to MSK, risk factors for breast cancer include:
– Age
– Personal history of breast cancer
– Family history of breast cancer
– BRCA and PALB2 gene mutations
– Early menstruation or late menopause
– Age at first pregnancy

To read more about risk factors for breast cancer, visit www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/breast/risk-factors

Get Screened

The type of screening you (or your dependents) may receive, and the screening schedule are based on the average risk of the person being screened. If you’re at average risk:

– Starting at age 20, become familiar with how your breasts look and feel. Knowing your breasts will help you notice changes.
– Get a breast exam from your healthcare provider every year starting at age 25.
– Starting at age 40, have a mammogram or tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) every year.

For additional information regarding types of breast cancer, screening, treatment, and more, visit www.mskcc.org/direct/nycdcc-welfare-fund/guide-breast-health

NYCDCC and MSK Direct

The NYCDCC Welfare Fund partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering to offer MSK Direct, a program that gives you guided access to expert cancer care. They provide resources and support throughout your care experience. To learn more screenings, as well as other cancer care related topics, visit the MSK Direct website for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at www.mskcc.org/nycdcc. If you or a loved one are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options available at MSK, please call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at (833) 786-3368.