Women across Texas are being reminded of the importance of early detection and treatment for breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Death rates from breast cancer have been falling steadily for two decades, but it's still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. So Joy Donovan Brandon with the American Cancer Society in Texas says regular screenings are a must.

She adds, "If you have a family history of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends you have a discussion with your doctor before the age of 40. And then for all women, we recommend a yearly mammogram after the age of 40."

Brandon says it's estimated that there will be more than 16-thousand new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Texas this year alone.

There are a number of programs and facilities across Texas that offer free or low-cost mammograms year-round for those eligible. East Texas Health Access will be in Tenaha at City Hall on October 28th and 29th working with The Rose from Houston to do Free Mammograms. Ladies must be 40-64 uninsured, and hasn’t had a mammogram in last 3 yrs to qualify. They can call The Hope Project in Tenaha at 936-248-4673 to sign up.