October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• Each year approximately 940 Montana women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer screening, such as a mammogram, can help find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before signs or symptoms of the disease occur.
• Starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74, all women should get screened for breast cancer every other year. Some women may choose to start screening earlier if they have a personal risk or family history of breast cancer. Medicaid, Medicare, and nearly all insurance companies cover the entire cost of almost all screening mammograms for women age 40 and over.
• Free mammograms are available to Montana women who do not have insurance. Call 1-888-803-9343 to get connected to screening services in your community, or visit cancer.mt.gov.

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Health in the 406 is regular communication by DPHHS on a variety of wellness topics designed to raise awareness of issues that impact the daily lives of Montanans.  Public health is a partnership of individuals and organizations and all Montanans have a role so they can improve their health and enhance their quality of life for themselves and loved ones. This health message is brought to you by the DPHHS, Public Health and Safety Division.