The Mississippi State Department of Health is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting several events designed to stress the importance of early screenings for a disease that kills about 400 women each year in our state.

Mississippi has one of the highest breast cancer death rates in the nation, yet more than one-quarter of women here do not receive regular screenings that could save their lives. A woman can be diagnosed with breast cancer at any age, but some are more likely to be affected than others. Black women are more likely than all other ethnicities to die from the disease. Most at risk of developing breast cancer are women over age 50, those whose mothers or sisters have had breast cancer, women who are childless or start their families after age 30, and those who are overweight.

“The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is dedicated in the fight for screening and early detection to eradicate this disease,” said Amy Gibbons, program director. “If someone you love needs a screening, do not hesitate to reach out and let us connect you with an enrolling provider in your area.”

By bringing awareness to the disease and encouraging early detection through these events, MSDH is hoping more women will be screened early and lives will be saved:

• Know It to Beat It Webinar Series. MSDH is partnering with the Mississippi Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to present the live series. Physicians, advocates and community leaders will answer questions, debunk myths and share information on the prevention, diagnosis, screening and advancements in breast cancer treatment. To register for the Zoom series and see a list of speakers, go to ms.gov/webinar. The webinars will be held from Noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:
• 23 – Diet and Lifestyle for Cancer Prevention
• 29 – Unique challenges faced by caregivers in minority communities
• 30 – Mental health and cancer

“Stay in touch with your health by performing a self-exam each month,” said Gibbons. “A few minutes is all it takes to spot potential problems ahead of time.”

Screening mammograms are important because they can find signs of cancer before they can be felt by you or your provider. Detecting cancer early means quicker treatment, more effective treatment, a better chance of recovering, and less risk to your health and life.

Stay up to date on news and updates at www.msdh.ms.gov.  and on social media:  facebook.com/HealthyMS, twitter.com/msdh and Instagram.com/healthy.ms