October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month More than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 40,480 will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website to learn about screening events in your area. _________________________

Breast cancer specialists, including Diehl, are currently working on guidelines for screening older women. In the meantime, Diehl recommends all women continue to get screened for breast cancer past the age of 70 and at least up till age 85. Screening should include the following:

• Yearly mammograms;
• Yearly clinical breast exams with a healthcare provider; and,
• Monthly breast self-exams.

Even women older than 85 should continue to be screened for breast cancer, Diehl says, especially if they are in good health.
 
"The message I want every woman over age 65 to really understand is that they need to continue to take care of their health. They need to continue to be diligent about seeing their physician for health maintenance exams, including a breast exam, and about getting that mammogram done every year," Diehl says.
 
She adds, "If they develop breast cancer, we want to catch it early, when we have the best chance of treating it and continuing to keep them feeling well and living a long time." 

Source: University of Michigan

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