NORWICH – October will again see the country observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many of the organizations and agencies that provide breast cancer screening, education, information and support offer expanded services and special programs.

This is an excellent time for women to learn about their risk and get screened for breast cancer. Chenango County Public Health Department says that all women 40 and over should get an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam. Women 20 to 39 should get a clinical breast exam at least once every three years.

A mammogram along with a clinical breast exam is an effective tool to detect breast cancer in its early stage and has been successful in reducing overall cancer and mortality. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in New York State. Each year, nearly 14,000 New York women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 3,000 die from the disease.

Women are at increased risk for breast cancer if they have had their first pregnancy over the age of 30, began their period at a very young age, have a first degree relative (maternal or paternal side of the family) diagnosed with breast cancer, have a genetic predisposition, or have been previously diagnosed with cancer.