October 1, 2005 – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society reminds women that getting screened at the correct age, early detection and living a healthy lifestyle are important to save lives.

"We know that all women are at risk for developing this disease, but the older a woman gets, the greater her risk," said Erma Kergan, a breast cancer survivor and volunteer for the American Cancer Society. "We can't emphasize enough the importance of early detection."

Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. This year the American Cancer Society estimates that 211,240 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. Approximately 40,410 will die from the disease. In Ohio it is estimated that this year there will be 8,412 women diagnosed and 1,960 will die from breast cancer.

"There are several factors that contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer. Aside from being a female, age is a key factor. In fact, 77 % of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are age 50 or older," said Nancy Leone, another ACS volunteer who also survived breast cancer.

Other important risk factors for developing breast cancer are personal and family history. Also, exercise, nutrition, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption may reduce a woman's risk.

The American Cancer Society recommends every woman follow a three-step approach to protect her against breast cancer. This includes:

1. Annual mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early.
2. Have a mammogram annually if you are age 40 and older.
3. If there is a history of breast cancer in the family, discuss a personal mammography-screening schedule with a health care provider.

1. After age 40, get a clinical breast exam by a health care provider every year.
2. Between the ages of 20 and 39, have a clinical breast exam by a health care provider at least once every three years.

1. Ask a health care provider to teach you the proper way to perform a thorough breast self-exam.
2. Beginning at age 20, examine your breasts monthly. If there are any lumps, thickenings or changes, report them to your doctor immediately. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but further tests may be necessary to determine your situation.

The American Cancer Society is committed in the fight against breast cancer. There are a variety of different programs and free services that promote early detection and help those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Some of these programs are Tell A Friend, Look Good Feel Better, I Can Cope, Reach to Recovery, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay For Life.

For more information about breast cancer or these programs, call the American Cancer Society toll free at 1-888-ACS-OHIO (1-888-227-6446) or visit the web site at www.cancer.org.

All About Breast Cancer