Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is again recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Michigan women. In 2008, the American Cancer Society estimates that 6,120 Michigan women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,310 women will die of the disease.

"When it comes to treating breast cancer, early detection is critical," said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "That's why it's essential for women to receive mammogram screenings on a routine basis."

Although every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, several factors have been shown to increase the risk:

- Increasing age

- A personal history of breast cancer

- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer (especially pre-menopausal onset) in a mother, a sister, a daughter, or other multiple relatives.

- Never giving birth or having a first child after the age of 30

- Long menstrual history

Other possible risk factors include:

- Long term use of hormonal replacement therapy

- Being overweight or obese after menopause

- Low physical activity

- Alcohol consumption (2 - 5 drinks daily)

Since the inception of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, mammography use has doubled, and breast cancer rates have declined. Still, many women do not utilize mammography at regular intervals. Breast cancer is most treatable when detected at an early stage. The key to early detection is routine mammography screenings - being tested just once is never enough.

The Michigan Cancer Consortium recommends annual breast cancer screening - including a clinical breast exam and mammogram - for women of average risk starting at age 40.

Yet nearly 42 percent of Michigan women age 40 and older do not receive annual breast cancer screening. These women tend to be between the ages of 40 and 49 and be older than 70; have lower education levels; and have lower household incomes.

If you cannot afford a mammogram, you may qualify for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). The BCCCP provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to women who meet the following eligibility criteria:

- Have an income < 250 percent of the federal poverty level (e.g., a family of four can earn up to $53,000 per year)

- Be uninsured or underinsured

- Be between the ages of 40 and 64

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer through BCCCP may be eligible to receive Medicaid for cancer treatment. Since the program began in 1991, over 130,500 women have been screened through the BCCCP with nearly 2,350 breast cancers diagnosed.

For more information about BCCCP, please call 800-922-6266 or visit www.michigancancer.org/bcccp.