Mother's Day Mammogram Reminder

Mother's Day is May 10, and we ask that you honor Mother's Day by reminding your mother, daughters, sisters, friends... to have a mammogram.

In North Carolina, breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women age 40 to 55. Each year approximately 5,550 women in our state are diagnosed with breast cancer; another 1,100 North Carolina women with breast cancer will die from this disease. To decrease the breast cancer mortality rate, early detection is essential.

Digital mammography systems help detect and diagnose breast cancer earlier and accurately. A digital mammogram is an electronic image of the breast. It can find lumps in the breast that are too small to be discovered by breast self-examination. A digital mammogram may also identify women who need further testing. When mammography detects breast cancer in an early stage, women who receive prompt treatment have a 90 percent chance of long-term survival.

Schedule a digital mammogram if:

• You are age 35 or older.
• You are younger than age 35 and have a family history of breast cancer. If so, you will need a written note from your physician approving your participation.
• You have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months.

Help reduce the risk and increase the chance for early detection of breast cancer. You may qualify for a FREE mammogram through Buncombe County's Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). Just give us a call at 250-6006 or check out this video.