CLEVELAND -- One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Each year the disease kills nearly 40,000 women. Early detection is the best preventative measure, and the best tool currently available is the mammogram.
For now, the recommendation is that women get a mammogram once a year, beginning at age 40.
If you're at high risk for breast cancer, with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment to the chest in the past, it's recommended that you start having annual mammograms at a younger age (often beginning around 30).
This, however, is something that you should discuss with your health care provider.
If you can't afford one, there are several programs available that will enable qualifying women to get one for free. Click on the links below for more information.
What you need to know about mammograms: click HERE
University Hospitals Saturday Breast Exam Program: Click HERE
Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project: Click HERE
Breast health programs funded by Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio affiliate: Click HERE
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