October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Dallas County Health Department outlines the procedure of screenings.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters pinpoints that breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed within the United States. She says that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get a mammogram every two years between the ages of 40 and 74. However, Peters claims that family history can play a factor in how often women should be checked.

“Your doctor may recommend other screening methods for you, or they might recommend that you be screened earlier or more frequently.”

Peters warns women to be in contact with their primary care provider immediately if there are lumps, pains, or unusual changes in the breast area. She highlights that Iowa Health and Human Services offers a program to further assist women.

“The Care for Yourself Program can help with free or low cost breast and cervical cancer screenings for certain income eligible women between ages 21 and 64.”

Peters suggests a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer by exercising at least two and a half hours each week, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet including fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy, and whole grains, and limiting alcohol intake.