Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer in Kitsap County, accounting for about 30% of all cancers in women each year. But experts say there’s reason for hope — survival rates are improving thanks to early detection and advances in treatment.

“It’s a hopeful disease,” said Dr. Toni Roberts, Breast Cancer Program director at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale. “When caught early, we cure the vast majority of breast cancer. That’s one of the reasons screening is so important.”

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, which operates St. Michael, has worked to address disparities. A recent Community Health Needs Assessment identified high breast cancer rates in certain populations, prompting mobile screening events across Kitsap County this fall.

Per the assessment, Kitsap County’s breast cancer incidence rate between 2015 and 2019 was 155 cases per 100,000 women, slightly below the state average of 164. Rates were highest among women ages 65 and older, at 503 cases per 100,000, and lowest among women under 35.

Roberts said factors such as earlier puberty, hormone exposure and genetics can all play a role in increased diagnoses. She urges women to talk with their doctors about personal risk factors and when to begin screening, which typically starts at age 40.

For Lori Durham, 59, of Silverdale, a routine mammogram in 2019 revealed three stage 1 tumors — despite no family history or symptoms. “I’m thankful I had that mammogram,” she said. “I never dreamed it would happen to me.”

Durham underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, later learning she also had a rare ovarian cancer. Now five years cancer-free, she volunteers with a nonprofit that helps women pay for transportation to treatment. She says she hopes her story will help other people currently going through cancer treatment.

“My hope for the future is that I can be a beacon of light,” she said. “I want people to know I’ll be there for them. I want to help in any way I can. I want to be a soft place for people who want to come and talk, and for people to know I understand.”

At St. Michael, Roberts and her team have streamlined care for breast cancer patients. The hospital’s breast cancer program allows women to meet with surgeons, oncologists and specialists in a single visit, reducing delays between diagnosis and treatment.

“It was taking too long for people to start treatment,” Roberts said. “Now, we can do it in a day.”

Roberts encourages women to reduce risk through lifestyle changes: staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and performing regular self-exams.

“Most importantly, get screened,” she said. “That’s how we save lives.”