October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s nearly over. Have you scheduled your next mammogram?

Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their life.

This year alone, approximately 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, with 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is non-invasive, according to Breastcancer.org.

You can easily ignore those statistics because they may be frightening, but I urge you not to do so.

Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. I was 46 and had no family history.

I’ll spare you details but after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, I’ve survived 10 years so far.

In those 10 years, I’ve celebrated the marriage of my daughter and the birth of my granddaughter.

Had I not had that routine mammogram, I don’t know if I’d have seen those milestones.

Mammograms save lives and I believe I am proof.

The American Cancer Society suggests women of average risk get an annual mammogram beginning at age 45.

If you have health insurance, your OB/GYN can help you schedule an appointment.

Pennsylvania residents can obtain free mammograms through state and local programs for eligible uninsured or underinsured residents, such as the state’s HealthyWoman Program.

Organizations like the PA Breast Cancer Coalition also provide resources and help connect individuals with free or affordable screenings.

Mammograms can be uncomfortable for some women, but the discomfort is worth your peace of mind.

Nobody wants to be told they have breast cancer, but it is a heck of a lot better to find out about it in its early stages when it is treatable.

Please take a moment to schedule your mammogram if you haven’t already. Talk to your mother, daughter, sister or any woman in your life to make sure those who are of age get their screening.

And if you’ve been diagnosed, there’s support out there if you need it. Locally, the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance is a great place to start.

Please don’t neglect your health. Your family will thank you for being proactive!

Andrea Rose is the communications coordinator at Gateway Gallery Auction and a very grateful survivor.  She hopes she will save at least one life by sharing her story.