Get Your Annual Mammogram

As we enter into October, some of you may notice the NFL wearing the color pink with their uniforms. You may also notice lots of events and advertisements for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While most people are aware of what breast cancer is, many of us forget to take the steps needed to detect the disease early and encourage others to do the same.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States other than skin cancer, and is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. With early detection and better treatment, death rates from breast cancer are decreasing. Although we focus on women, men may also get breast cancer.

Prevention is one of the best things you can do to help reduce your risks. Educate yourself about your own risk factors. Find out if you have a family history on your mom's side or your dad's side. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to get screened and how often. Find out if you have "dense" breasts and what screening approach is right for you. Educate and encourage friends and family to do it too.

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better chances that treatment will work. In 2009, the American Cancer Society estimated that if every woman over the age of 50 had yearly mammograms, breast cancer deaths in this age group could drop by 25% or more! Clinical breast exams and mammograms are excellent screening tools used to help detect breast cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider on what is best for you.