PHOENIX – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Abrazo Health is encouraging women ages 40 and older to make breast health a priority by scheduling recommended mammograms, understanding personal risk factors, and taking advantage of educational resources designed to support lifelong breast health and wellness.

Throughout October, Abrazo Health is empowering women with important breast health information and resources, even a pink tablet giveaway, to support better breast health and peace of mind.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, only behind skin cancers, according to The American Cancer Society. It estimates that more than 321,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, with more than 42,000 women expected to die from the disease.

Regular mammograms can identify changes in breast tissue before symptoms develop and remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment options are often most successful.

"There's no single screening schedule that's right for every woman," said OB Hospitalist Dr. Erica McLaughlin, Valley Perinatal Services, LLC. "Your age, family history, personal medical history and other risk factors can all be part of that conversation. The important thing is to have the conversation."

Current national recommendations emphasize beginning breast cancer screening discussions at age 40. The type and frequency of your screening should be determined in consultation with your physician.

Abrazo Health is offering a free, fast and easy online breast health risk assessment to learn more about preventive care, for help finding a doctor and to stay on top of your breast health.

You can also scan the QR code to enter to win a $450 pink tablet when you sign-up to receive a short series of health tips for women, including information about your thyroid, menopause, breast cancer and much more.

These tools are designed to encourage women, due for a mammogram, to schedule their screenings now, learn more about personal breast cancer risks and make October the perfect time to put yourself and your breast health on the calendar!