When is National Mammography Day? The third Friday in October is National Mammography Day.
What is National Mammography Day?
The best defense is a good offence, and it the case of breast cancer, that means mammograms. National Mammography Day raises awareness about the benefits of routine screenings for breast cancer.
Breast cancer is sometimes a game of genetics. If your mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk of breast cancer is almost twice as likely. But even with no family history, this disease can still strike.
Doctors advise women to perform regular self-checks and, if something seems off, get checked as soon as possible. Some lumps might be too small to see or feel though, so doctors suggest that women start getting screened regularly when they reach middle age.
Early detection is the key to breast cancer survival. We don’t know what causes breast cancer, but we know a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk. So take care of yourself, and be vigilant!
Facts about National Mammography Day!
- The American Cancer Society suggests annual mammograms for women between 45 and 54 years of age, and screenings every two years for women 55 and older.
- In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during her life.
- Researchers expect over 40,000 U.S. women to die of breast cancer during 2018, though the death rate has been dropping since 1989.
- President Bill Clinton instituted National Mammography Day in 1993.
- Even men can get breast cancer.
How to celebrate National Mammography Day:
- Educate yourself. Look into the causes of breast cancer and the risk factors so that you know what to look for.
- If you fit the suggested age range, schedule your mammogram for the year. Make sure your loved ones do the same.
- Life healthy to lower your risk. Eat healthy, stay fit, and be prudent about alcohol and tobacco.
What’s the hashtag for National Mammography Day?
To spread the word on social media, use #NationalMammographyDay.