October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The American Cancer Society wants to remind everyone about the importance of early detection.

Their numbers show 200 thousand people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. but mammograms have increased the chance of survival because patients are able to detect the cancer earlier.

"Breast cancer may have advanced so much further by the time the patient may feel any symptoms, so getting your yearly mammogram starting at age 40 really helps to catch that breast cancer early," says Melanie Schumann from the American Cancer Society.

Many area businesses are also helping raise awareness this week.