Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While breast cancer related deaths have declined in recent years with advancements in treatment, it remains the second-leading cause of cancer death in all women. According to the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics, more than 13,100 women in North Carolina will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025, and more than 1,500 will die from the disease.

Mammograms and self-exams are key to early detection, which saves lives. A mammogram can often find or detect breast cancer early, when it’s small and even before a lump can be felt. This is when it’s likely to be easiest to treat.

Mecklenburg County’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program provides free and low-cost breast exams, screening, and diagnostic mammograms, as well as pap smears, to uninsured and/ or underinsured women of Mecklenburg County. Eligibility criteria are:

• Must be a Mecklenburg County resident
• Be below 250% of the federal poverty level
• Must show income verification upon enrollment/registration
• Must sign a BCCCP consent form prior to the visit
• Mammograms are available for eligible clients ages 40-64 and pap tests for clients ages 21-64

Call 704-336-6500 to schedule an appointment.  

If you are concerned about developing breast cancer, there are ways to reduce risk through lifestyle changes. To lower your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Research has shown a higher risk of occurrence after menopause when there is an increase in body weight.
• Stay Active: Physical activity, even moderate, lowers your overall risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise each week. A brisk 30-minute walk just five days a week can be beneficial.
• Limit or avoid alcohol: Research has shown alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. While there could be many reasons why, it has been proven that alcohol increases levels of estrogen and hormones associated with breast cancer.