October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. In fact, 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, said Dr. John McDonald, an OB/GYN at University Medical Center. Warning signs of breast cancer include lumps in the breast or underarm; swelling, red or flaky skin; pain or soreness; and changes in size of the breast. Most breast cancers are found in women 50 years of age or older, and black women are at a higher risk of dying from breast cancer. McDonald recommends a screening mammogram every one to two years starting at the age of 40 to help reduce breast cancer mortality in women who are at risk for breast cancer.

(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)