Make screening a priority this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the things that activists and doctors like to impress upon the public this month is the importance of getting regular breast cancer screenings. As early detection is often the key to beating breast cancer, make sure to schedule a screening appointment with your physician. Here's what you need to know about breast cancer screening methods this October.

• Mammograms

Mammograms are the most popular form of breast cancer screening test. Mammograms use x-rays to locate tumors or other abnormalities in the breast tissue that are too minute to identify via touch. Women should receive annual mammograms from ages 45-54. After age 55, they can reduce the frequency to every two years. Women aged 40-44 can speak to their doctor and get screened early.

• MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRIs are used to screen women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. For instance, this type of screening method is normally administered to women with the BRCA1/2 gene mutation, women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, and women with Li-Fraumeni, Cowden/PTEN or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. Women who are at low or average risk for breast cancer do not usually get MRI screenings because they are more invasive and expensive than mammogram testing.

• CBEs (Clinical Breast Exams)

CBEs are physical examinations of the breast and underarm to feel for lumps or other irregularities. This method can be conducted on both women and men. Many women are advised to receive this type of screening until they reach normal mammogram age. While male breast cancer is uncommon, men with a family history of the disease often receive this type of screening test as well. These are the three main breast cancer screening options you have this National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Want another way to take care of yourself this October? Make sure you have the right personal insurance protections in place. For assistance with all your coverage needs, contact the experts at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California to get started today.