Tim Schnettler: It’s October, and that means pink everywhere for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more than 240,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 die from the disease. To lower that stat, regular mammograms are essential. If you are a woman between 50 and 74 years old, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every two years. If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford a mammogram, there may be options in your community to get one for little to no cost.
If you are younger than 50, it may be worth talking to your health care provider about when to get your first mammogram, which may be earlier if you have certain risk factors.
Men, although this month you’re often reminded to talk to your partners and the other women in your life about getting screened, it is possible for you to get breast cancer as well.
Source: TAMU Health Science Center
