Guest Column: October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Before we head into November, it’s important to remind everyone National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the month of October. We want you to join us in the fight and raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer.

It is estimated about one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point during her life. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram—the screening test for breast cancer—can help find breast cancer early.

Make a difference and spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families and individuals to get involved. How can National Breast Cancer Awareness Month make a difference? Encourage women aged 40 and older to talk with their doctors about when to start getting mammograms. Spread the word to family members and friends.

Mammograms are covered by most health insurance programs. You can get a screening mammogram without any out-of-pocket costs. If you are worried about the cost or don’t have health insurance, the CDC offers free or low-cost mammograms and education about breast cancer.

Talk to your physician and visit cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm.