PINEHURST – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection of breast cancer. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. Statistics show that one out of every eight women will develop invasive breast cancer at some time in their lives.
The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Thanks to early detection, the breast cancer death rate is down 34 percent since 1990.
Annual mammograms are recommended starting at the age of 40. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
Screening Mammography can help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer among women ages 40 to 74. Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. It is recommended to get a mammogram earlier if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.
Help make a difference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
- Ask doctors and nurses to speak to women about the importance of getting screened for breast cancer.
- Encourage women ages 40 to 49 to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas would like to encourage you to get screened. If you have a mammogram during the month of October at any FirstHealth Hospital, you will be given a FREE pink tote. You may schedule your digital mammogram as a self-requesting patient or with a referral from your provider by calling (866) 415-2778 toll-free. For more information on FirstHealth Cancer Care, visit www.NCCancerCare.org.