October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.  One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.  When detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. 

Get screened regularly.  According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society, women at average risk should have a clinical breast exam once every three years from ages 20 to 39.  This exam can be conducted during a regular check-up with a doctor.  A mammography is suggested annually starting at age 40.

Women at higher risk (such as those women with a strong family history of the disease), should be screened earlier and more often.  A breast MRI is another screening option for women at higher risk.

Learn more online and how to support the funding of breast cancer awareness and research at www.komen.org for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and www.cancer.org for the American Cancer Society.