October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

UNDATED (WJON News) -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The American Cancer Society has just released its Breast Cancer Statistics report that shows over 500,000 deaths have been prevented due to things like early detection.

The new report says breast cancer mortality rates have dropped by 44 percent since 1989. There is a 99 percent survival rate if it's caught early.

Over 2,900 women in Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne counties are breast cancer survivors.

Spokesman Matt Flory says, that while the success rate is climbing so are diagnoses.

We have an aging population, so as we get more people over the age of 40 or 50 cancer becomes more common, that's true of breast cancer, most breast cancers are diagnosed in later ages and your risk goes up over your lifetime.

Flory says one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But, he says one in four Minnesotans are not up to date on their mammograms.

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The American Cancer Society recommends at age 40 all women have a conversation with their doctor, and start screening at age 45. The Minnesota Department of Health offers free mammograms for uninsured women. The number to call for more information is 1-888-643-2584.

The American Cancer Society also has a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-227-2345.