One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is a frightening and sobering statistic, and while it is something we should be aware of at all times these kinds of statistics get a little more recognition during the month of October. For nearly four decades now, the country has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.

Other interesting facts that are good reminders during Breast Cancer Awareness Month include: * Being a woman and growing older are the main factors that influence your risk for breast cancer.

* A family history of breast cancer is a factor that increases your risk. But 85% of breast cancer diagnoses are in women who have no family history of breast cancer.

* Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women.

* Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. besides skin cancer.

* Men can get breast cancer also and their health care providers may order a mammogram.

Mammograms are the gold standard used to detect breast cancer. The Callaway District Hospital has been offering three-dimensional imaging since 2016.

“Early detection is the key to increasing your survival rate. If breast cancer is found early, when it's small and has not spread, it is easier to treat successfully,” said Suzy Jorgenson, Radiology Manager at Callaway District Hospital.

The Callaway District Hospital has three physicians and one physician assistant on staff. Dr. Kenneth Loper, Dr. Chelsea Williams, Dr. Tiffany Svoboda, and Tessa Keeney, PA-C, treat patients full-time at the clinic and hospital, and Nurse Practitioner Julie Brauer helps out in the clinic occasionally.

“Our providers can answer any questions that a patient may have and order a mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or both,” said Jorgenson.

The Callaway District Hospital employs two mammographers who can also perform breast ultrasounds. Those services are offered five days a week, Monday through Friday. Patients can call the Callaway Medical Clinic to see their primary healthcare provider and schedule an appointment for a mammogram.

The American Cancer Society recommends women between 40-44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Their recommendations are: * Women 45-54 should get mammograms every year.

* Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screenings should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.

To help raise awareness for breast cancer screening and prevention, Callaway District Hospital invited the town of Callaway to join them in “Pink Out Day” on Friday, Oct. 18. Pink Out Day is traditionally held on the third Friday in October.

“The employees of the hospital were excited to have the town residents join us in this important reminder that lives can be saved by screening mammograms,” said Jorgenson.