October 28 2021 – As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, the Florida Department of Health’s Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Program) continues to encourage women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.1 The American Cancer Society estimates over 20,000 new cases are expected to be identified in Florida this year alone.2 In 2019, 3,183 women in Florida died from breast cancer.3

Early detection of any cancer is critical to supporting a long and healthy life. Breast cancer is no exception and getting routine screenings is vital to staying apprised of your health.

Women should talk to their health care provider about possible individual risk factors and the frequency of mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings.

Through this essential Program, the Florida Department of Health provides access to free or low-cost breast cancer screenings statewide to women who may be uninsured or have a low income.

Over the past ten years, breast cancer mortality rates in Florida have decreased by 8.7 percent, as a result of ongoing progress in screening and improved treatment.

For resources in Miami-Dade County, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Miami- Dade County at 305-470-5634 or 305-324-2400.

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.

For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit  www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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

1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm. (Accessed 13 September 2021.)

2 American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021.

3 Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Community Health Assessment. Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set.  http://www.flhealthcharts.com/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Death.TenYrsRpt&cid=00

84. (Accessed 13 September 2021.)