Sanford, Fla. - In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Important advances have been made through increased awareness, breast cancer screenings and better treatments.

DOH-Seminole invites the community to a Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivor Celebration on Thursday, October 24^th from 9:00 - 11:30am at the Sanford office located at 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773. Guest speakers are Dr. Walter C. Hayne, Breast Surgical Oncologist for AdventHealth Altamonte and Holly Soucy, BSN, RN Breast Cancer Care Coordinator for AdventHealth Deland.

"Keeping doctor appointments and getting the important screenings, such as a mammogram can help women of all ages to prevent breast cancer and receive the appropriate treatment if it occurs. Staying healthy throughout your life can help lower your risk factors," said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, no matter a person's race or ethnicity. The American Cancer Society estimates 19,130 new cases are expected in Florida this year alone. In 2018, 2,955 women in Florida died from Female Breast Cancer.

What should women do? Make "no excuses, ladies." Women should talk to their health care provider about their individual risk factors and the frequency of receiving mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings. Additionally, women can lower their risk as follows:

• Get and stay at a healthy weight

• Be physically active

• Limit or avoid alcohol

• Choose to breast-feed

• Quit smoking and or vaping

The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost for those who meet the program eligibility requirements.

To see if you qualify, call DOH-Seminole at (407) 665-3185. The BCCEDP serves Seminole, Orange and Lake counties.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.