In observance of October as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month," the Lincoln County Health Department is hosting "Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day" Tuesday, October 10.

According to Cynthia Fox RN, nurse manager for the health department, "The purpose of this special day is to encourage women in Lincoln County to maintain a health routine that includes regular breast health screenings - monthly breast selfexams, yearly clinical breast exams, and yearly mammograms for those over 40.

"It will be a wonderful opportunity for women to learn more about breast cancer and how to prevent it - a life could be saved," she stated.

During the day, health department nurses will offer free clinical breast exams, distribute educational materials, and make any referrals necessary. Appointments for the breast exams may be made by calling the Cynthia Fox or Rosalyn Guillebeau at 706-359-3154.

University Hospital's mobile mammography unit, which visits Lincolnton once and sometimes twice a month, will also be on the premises. Although the mammography unit's schedule is booked for the day, there are appointments available for November, December, and January.

The event will likewise feature light refreshments, goody bags as long as supplies last, and drawings for a variety of great door prizes donated by local merchants.

Statewide, Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day is sponsored by the Georgia Cancer Coalition, the Chronic Disease Branch of the Georgia Department of Human Resources, and the American Cancer Society.

Locally, the initiative is being sponsored by the health department, the University Hospital Breast Health Center, and the American Cancer Society.

A few facts about breast cancer and breast cancer prevention are as follows:

+ Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States.

+ This year, approximately 1,100 women in Georgia will die of breast cancer and another 5,900 will be diagnosed with the disease.

+ A disproportionate number of minority women, who have low incomes and often do not have health insurance, die from breast cancer.

Mammography is the single most effective method of early detection.

All women 20 and older should perform a breast self-examination every month.

Nearly 26 percent of Georgia All women are at risk for breast women ages 40 and older have not received breast cancer screenings in the past two years.

More than three-quarters of all breast cancers occur in women over 50.

A woman of 70 is almost twice as likely to develop breast cancer in the next year as a woman of 50.

If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent.

Over 80 percent of breast lumps are proven benign, but any breast lump must be evaluated by a professional. cancer - even those who have no family history of the disease.

Smart strategies to reduce the risk of cancer include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake.

Through early detection and improved treatment, more women than ever are beating cancer.

For more information about Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness Day or breast cancer in general, contact the Lincoln County Health Department at 706-359-3154.