October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and doctors at Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center invite the community to help raise awareness about breast cancer by encouraging screening for early detection and treatment.

Accounting for about 30 percent of all new female cancers each year, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2022 about 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, leading to about 43,250 deaths.

In Georgia, the ACS estimates that there will be about 9,170 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2022, resulting in about 1,410 deaths.

For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since 2007, breast cancer death rates have been steady in women younger than 50, but have continued to decrease in older women. The ACS believes these decreases are the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.

“Screening mammograms should be performed annually and other screenings according to risk stratification. Just as important is a physical exam. Ignore no symptoms and see your physician if you experience any issues,” said Dr. Arnold Conforti, an Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center surgical oncologist.

Annual well-woman visits are a great time to ask your doctor about getting a mammogram. The ACS recommends that women ages 40 to 44 talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram every year. Women ages 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or can continue yearly screenings. Screenings should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.