Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to get screened
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is urging Coloradans to take a life-saving step: schedule a mammogram.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 30 por ciento (or 1 in 3) of all new cancers among women each year in the United States, and more than 42,000 women are expected to die from it this year.
When breast cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment and survival improve significantly.
“A mammogram can detect breast cancer early, and it can be completed at a low or no cost,” said Ian Kahn, CDPHE cancer program manager and co-chair of the Colorado Cancer Coalition. “This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage women 40 and older to get screened annually; or however frequently your doctor recommends; to help detect this disease early.”
A mammogram is an important, routine breast screening that can detect abnormal breast tissue and determine breast tissue density. Follow-up testing, like a biopsy, may be needed with an abnormal mammogram result. Consult your provider to get connected with follow-up testing and treatment should a cancer diagnosis be made. Nearly 100 por ciento of women who find breast cancer early survive for at least five years. Breast cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44 por ciento since 1989, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with much of that decrease due to increased screenings.
Additional information and resources:
- Contact your doctor or health care provider to set up a screening. Some imaging centers don’t require a referral.
- Life-saving mammograms are also available free of charge to individuals who qualify through the Women’s Wellness Connection program, which operates at over 100 clinics across the state. The Women’s Wellness Connection program serves individuals aged 21 to 64 who are without health insurance or have limited insurance and demonstrate financial need. Find a Women’s Wellness connection clinic near you.
- The Colorado Cancer Coalition lists a variety of local and national resources available.
- Visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month page for more information and ways you can help raise awareness.
