October kicks off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and here are some shocking, new facts. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it’s estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers. And as of this year, breast cancer became the most common cancer globally accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Breast cancer screenings are used to check a woman’s breasts for signs of cancer before any signs or symptoms appear. Be sure to watch the quick video below.

Here’s a brief review of who should get screened and when (for in-depth details click here):

• • Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
  • Women ages 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
  • Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.

Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. 

Contact your CHC provider for details on how to get your screening.