Get Your Mammogram!!!

October is breast cancer awareness month which is an annual campaign to increase attention and awareness of breast cancer and to help and support those affected by the disease.  There are approximately 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocon, 2008).  Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide next to skin cancer.  Breast cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells form in the breast tissue.  Breast cancer can be detected by several tests including the mammogram, breast ultrasound, MRI and biopsy and exams such as monthly and clinical breast exams.  Screening for breast cancer should be performed every 1-2 years on averaged risk females aged 50-74.  Once breast cancer is detected, it is staged to determine treatment by a health care team including an oncologist (cancer doctor). 

Please talk to your doctor on whether you are eligible for breast cancer screening

Christiansted, St. Croix