October #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer and its effects. This is a way to join others in the cause to help those affected.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterized by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important in order to bring awareness to a disease that can be prevented or treated through early detection.

Schedule your mammogram today.