Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. This year, it is expected that nearly 40-thousand women will die from this disease. In the United States, nearly five African American women die needlessly each day from breast cancer.

The sooner you catch it, the sooner you can treat it. Routine well check-ups, self-breast exams and annual mammograms all play a key role in the early detection of breast cancer. If you are a woman age 40 years or older, or have a family history of breast cancer, it is recommended that you get a yearly mammogram. Mammograms are safe and can find up to 90-percent of all breast cancers.

As with many other diseases, if you take charge of your health and partner with your physician you can experience better health outcomes. Knowledge is power. The more you know and understand about breast cancer, the greater your chances to lower your risk of getting the disease. Throughout the month of October, Loretto Hospital is offering $50 mammograms to qualified individuals. Don’t take any chances. Take charge of your health and get tested today. Remember, detecting breast cancer early can save your life. To see if you qualify and to schedule an appointment, call Loretto Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at 773-854-5233.