October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Westchester County Department of Health reminds all women aged 40 and over that now is the time to make an appointment for a mammogram. Mammograms (x-rays of the breast which can find tumors before they can be felt by breast examination) save lives because they can detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages

"The American Cancer Society, the New York State Department of Health and the Westchester County Department of Health advise that women have their first mammogram at age 40, and continue to do so every two years throughout their forties," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Once a woman reaches 50, she should have a mammogram annually. As women grow older, their chances for developing breast cancer increase. In fact, over three-fourths of the breast cancer cases diagnosed each year are in women 50 years and older," he continued.

In addition to having a mammogram, a complete breast health program includes clinical breast examination and breast self-examination. All women should have their doctor perform a breast exam at their annual checkup.

The Westchester County Department of Health will participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by continuing to offer low-cost and no-cost mammograms, free breast examinations and instruction in breast self-examination throughout the month. Sessions will be held on:

Monday, October 5th, at the White Plains District Office, 85 Court Street, 1st floor.

Wednesday, October 7th, at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 95 Lincoln Ave, New Rochelle.

Wednesday October 14th, at the Tarrytown Neighborhood House, 43 Wildey St.

Monday, October 19, at the Yonkers District Office, 20 So. Broadway, 2nd floor.

Tuesday, October 27th (Half day), at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 15 So. Bedford Rd, Mt. Kisco.

Wednesday, October 28th, at the Rye/Port Chester District Office, 111 South Ridge St, Second Floor, Port Chester.

The Health Department will also hold additional special screenings throughout the month of October. Screenings are held in over 30 sites in Westchester County throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, or to find out about additional screenings, call the Westchester County Department of Health's Breast Health program at (914) 637-4990.