WHEELING, WV – Representatives from the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, West Virginia University Extension and the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program will hold a wreath hanging ceremony on October 2, 2017 at the City/County building for West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event marks the 23rd annual West Virginia Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Similar ceremonies will take place all across the state as public officials and citizens gather to demonstrate a commitment to fight the disease that has claimed the lives of so many women, and to raise awareness of the importance of joining the fight for a cure.

In 2017, an estimated 1,400 West Virginia women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 280 will die from the disease By celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Wheeling – Ohio County Health Department and its partners hope to increase community awareness of how early detection saves lives.

The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer related deaths among WV women. A woman has a 12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime and a 2.7% chance of dying from the disease.

Currently the best method to reduce deaths due to breast cancer is through early detection of the disease. Women age 50 and older should have a mammogram at least every two years. Women ages 40-49 should talk with their health care provider about their screening schedule. Clinical breast exams by a physician or nurse are recommended every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Breast self-exams are encouraged for women in starting in their 20s.

Clinical breast exams, breast self-exams and mammograms can save lives. The West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program offers free or low cost mammograms, breast exams and Pap tests to women who quality.

For more information on breast cancer or to schedule an appointment in the breast and cervical cancer screening clinic call the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682 or visit our website at www.ohiocountyhealth.com .