MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and High-Risk Breast provider Dr. Charissa Etrheim (Et – rem) lays out the risks of breast cancer for women.

Dr. Etrheim (Et-rem) says many of the risk factors are things women can do nothing about.

One of the risk factors is the tissue density of the breast which is really only discernable with a mammogram.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women, just behind lung cancer.  Dr. Charissa Etrheim (Et-rem) a High-Risk Breast Specialist says these are the usual signs of breast cancer:

Dr. Etrheim (Et-rem) says manual checks for lumps is a start, but mammograms are a must for comprehensive breast health.

Women who are concerned about the cost or insurance coverage of mammograms should talk to their doctor or clinic because there are programs in South Dakota that will help cover the cost of preventative mammograms for women.