JOURDANTON, TX — National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is geared to educate women about the importance of early detection for breast cancer. Since NBCAM's inception, mammography use has doubled, and breast cancer death rates have declined. Still, many women do not utilize mammography at regular intervals.

Last year, more than 178,500 American women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and about 40,000 lost their battle against the disease. While doctors and scientists are still working toward a cure, they are making progress in fighting this deadly disease. Breast cancer death rates have dropped in recent years thanks to early detection, new technology and improved treatments.

Early detection is one of the most important factors in the lowering breast cancer fatality rates. Though the chance of a woman having breast cancer during her life is one in eight, the chance of dying from breast cancer is only one in 33. If the cancer is found before it spreads to other parts of the body, it is much easier to treat. Therefore, it is recommended that women perform breast monthly self-examinations beginning at an early age. When women know how their breasts usually feel, they can more easily detect unusual lumps early and report them to a physician.

Local surgeon, Maria "Angie" Palafox, M.D., is an advocate for the fight against breast cancer. She is slated to be the keynote speaker for the October Healthy Woman seminar to help inform members of new methods for detection, prevention and surgical intervention for breast cancer.

The October Healthy Woman seminar is the last educational seminar for the 2008 calendar year. The seminar will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 6 pm at the Healthy Woman Center, located at 1320 Oaklawn, Suite H&L.

Members are encouraged to attend! Please call 830-769-5353 or email jstacy@chs.net to confirm your attendance. The event is free. Members are encouraged to bring a friend to the seminar.