The Care For Yourself program reminds Iowans October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Care For Yourself program is encouraging everyone to remember October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, and ranks second among cancer deaths in women.

In 2014, it is estimated that 2,300 women in Iowa will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That?s one woman every four hours of every day; 410 women in Iowa will die from breast cancer in 2014.

Nationally in 2014, over 232,000 women will hear the words, ?You have breast cancer,? and nearly 40,000 women will die from this disease.

Numerous efforts are being organized in Iowa to help in the fight against breast cancer:

? Recently, several health- and cancer-focused organizations have formed a partnership called ?Raise the Rates.? ?Raise the Rates? was developed out of a sense of need for cancer-related organizations in Iowa to work together in breast cancer screening efforts to eliminate duplication of efforts and share ideas and resources. Current member organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Iowa Cancer Consortium, Iowa Department of Public Health, Susan G. Komen for the Cure?Iowa Affiliate, and Telligen, share the goal of increasing breast cancer screening rates for women in Iowa through collaboration.

Breast cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society include:

? Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health

? Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over

? Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

? Some women?because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors?should talk to their doctors about whether they should have additional tests at an earlier age.

? Iowa?s Care for Yourself program has local staff that can help women schedule clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap tests, height and weight measurements, and blood pressure screenings.These exams may be available for women 40-64 at no cost. More information is available at http://www.idph.state.ia.us/CFY and 800-369-2229 or 319-354-3098.