JACKSON — Breast cancer is both the second most common cancer and second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States; for non-white women, it is the leading cause of cancer death. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is hoping to help reverse those trends by hosting events designed to stress the importance of early screenings for a disease that kills about 400 women each year in this state.
Mississippi has one of the highest breast cancer death rates in the nation, yet more than one-quarter of women 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 are women over 50, those whose mothers or sisters have had breast cancer, those who are childless or start their families after age 30 and those who are overweight.
“Not all breast cancers can be detected through self-exams, making screening mammograms the most reliable way to catch breast cancer early,” said Amy Gibbons, director of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).
A breast and cervical screening will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson. This screening is for uninsured and underinsured women ages 21 to 64. Pre-register by visiting https://msdh.ms.gov/bcevent. A nurse will contact you to complete screening to determine eligibility. For information, call 601-576-7466.
“Know It to Beat It,” a webinar series, is part of the Lunch & Learn virtual series hosted by MSDH and the Mississippi Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. Physicians, advocates and community leaders will answer questions, dispel myths and share information on advancements in breast cancer treatment. The webinars will be held at noon on Oct. 14, Oct. 16, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29. To register and see a list of speakers, go to https://msdh.ms.gov/bcwebinar.
