Early detection saves lives

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is here to promote the importance of early breast cancer detection.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancer. In Iowa this year over 2,300 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and roughly 400 women will die from the disease.

Many studies have shown that finding breast cancer early can save women?s lives and increase their treatment options. Therefore, we encourage you to consider the breast cancer screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society:

? Mammogram: Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and keep on doing so for as long as they are in good health.

? Clinical breast exam: Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert, at least every three years. After age 40, women should have a clinical breast exam by a health expert every year.

? Breast self-exam (BSE): Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to a health care professional right away. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.

Although risks for breast cancer include factors that cannot be changed (such as being female, age, and family history), there are some things a woman can do that can help reduce her risk of getting breast cancer, such as: Staying at a healthy weight throughout life, adopting a physically active lifestyle and limiting alcohol consumption.

Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/breastcancer to learn more about breast cancer risk factors, early detection and treatment.