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Most women know they are at risk for breast cancer, but many are afraid to get a mammogram or perform a self-exam. Between 2000 and 2005, there was a 4 percentage-point drop in the number of mammograms performed on women over 40. In October, the American Cancer Society will continue their 20-year sponsorship of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of early detection as the best chance of survival.

It’s especially important to have regular breast checks if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
•    You are female and middle-aged (eight out of 10 cases are in people over 50).
•    Your mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer (your chances are doubled).
•    You have either BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (you have an 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer in your lifetime).

While there is still no cure, there are a number of things you can do to help lower your risk of developing breast cancer:
•    Exercise at least three times a week for a half-hour or longer.
•    Avoid high-calorie, fatty foods.
•    Perform a self-exam once a month.
•    Schedule your yearly mammogram.

In addition, having children before you’re 30 years old and breastfeeding for a year or longer after pregnancy have been shown to offer protection against breast cancer.

Being fearful is understandable, but avoiding a mammogram is not the solution. If you’d like to receive a free yearly email reminder to schedule your next mammogram, click here. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, go to cancer.org for support groups and inspiring survivor stories.