Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is using the month of October to urge women to get mammograms on a regular basis.

Otober is the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women, and the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should talk to their doctor about when to start getting mammograms. Women who are 50 or older should get a screening mammogram every two years.

CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost mammograms to women

For more information on breast cancer, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/