National Beast Cancer Awareness Month

This will be the 25Th year that the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in the month of October. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is trying to reduce disparities in breast cancer among medically under-served population. The American Cancer Society is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote the need for and importance of their National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

With the help of the Society and other partners, the Sister Study enrolled 50,000 women whose sisters have had breast cancer for this 10-year study. They emphasize the need for women 40 and older to get a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year.

There was a study of African American women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. It was found that for one reason or another 25% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer refused life-saving treatments. This is why it is important to get the information, research, and treatment options in the hands of the women it affects.

Every woman deserves a mammogram every year. To sign up for a mammogram reminder or send one to someone else go to www.cancer.org/breastcancer and click on the link "mammogram reminder."