Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Why Breast Cancer Is Personal

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Excluding skin cancers, it accounts for roughly 30 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in women each year, and one in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Those numbers are sobering—not just for those directly affected, but for women as a whole. While many of us are familiar with the statistics or know someone who’s faced a diagnosis, education around breast health and routine screening still doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

That’s where the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders come in. Often referred to as “America’s Sweethearts,” they’ve partnered with Novartis and the Your Attention, Please campaign to encourage more open conversations around breast health and the importance of regular screenings. Launched during the Super Bowl, the initiative centers on early detection and offers accessible tools to help women better understand their risk and make informed decisions about preventive care.

Below, we caught up with Julissa Garcia and Trinity Miles of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to learn more about the partnership and its mission.

What fueled your decision to be a part of the Your Attention, Please campaign?

Julissa Garcia (JC): “My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. When we first heard, it was pretty scary. All I wanted to do was be there for my mom and lean on my family. By the grace of God, she’s now 10 years breast cancer–free. Her journey has inspired me to never take any moment for granted and to prioritize doing self-checks and overall health. I’m honored to partner with Novartis as a DCC to raise awareness and spark conversations about breast health and the importance of screening and early detection.”

Trinity Miles (TM): “Being part of Your Attention, Please is deeply personal. My cousin is a breast cancer survivor, and others on the team have similar stories with the women in their lives. We’ve seen firsthand how early detection can make all the difference, and that’s why we’re passionate about sharing our experiences and encouraging others to prioritize their health.”

How are the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders raising breast cancer awareness?

JC: “We have a very exciting dance routine coming soon, and it’s our way of bringing personal communication through the Your Attention, Please campaign with Novartis. Being a part of this campaign is deeply personal to me because I’m able to honor my mom’s journey and connect with others to hopefully inspire change. I believe there is truly so much empowerment through the artistry of awareness. Leaning on each other, sharing experiences and talking about screenings and early detection can help create stronger and healthier communities.”

TM: “Being able to raise breast cancer awareness as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is an honor I don’t take lightly. DCC is my greatest passion, and this platform is something I’m incredibly grateful for. Through this routine, we’re not just performing, we’re amplifying awareness, encouraging action and reminding women everywhere that paying attention to their health can truly save lives. If sharing our message reaches even one person and inspires them to take action, then this platform is doing exactly what it’s meant to do.”

What tools and resources are available to support screening and early detection?

JC: “On the Your Attention, Please campaign website, people can learn more about the risks for breast cancer. Through the site, you’ll be able to gain more information and knowledge about breast cancer and general health, as well as locate a screening site within your local community so you can take action and stay on top of your breast health. No one should have to face this alone. It’s so important to talk openly about breast health because it can turn the scary thoughts and fear that you might have into a community and knowledge.”

TM: “There are many accessible tools and resources available to help women stay proactive about breast health. These include self-exams, clinical breast exams with a healthcare provider and routine mammograms based on age and risk factors. The most important step is simply paying attention, knowing your body, asking questions, and not delaying care. Early detection can truly save lives, and awareness is the first step.”