Affecting one out of every eight women, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Yavapai County has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer among Arizona’s 15 counties. It is tied for the fifth highest mortality rate of breast cancer in the State.

Because the prevalence of breast cancer is so high, discovering this disease early is the most effective and efficient tool to recovery. Discovering this disease at its early stages is critical towards providing better treatment options and ensuring long term survival rates for individuals. Research has shown women who are diagnosed with localized breast cancer have a 98% five year survival rate compared to 83% for regional diagnosed breast cancers and 23% distant diagnoses.

Join the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare (CCNAH) – Sedona Campus, Thursdays, Oct. 22 and 29, 10-11:30 a.m., for free Breast Self-Exam (BSE) classes. This is an opportunity to learn about proper and effective techniques for early detection.

These free classes will teach women how to perform breast self-exams and will include detailed instructions on specialized breast models by certified Breast Health Navigators. Classes will be held at the CCNAH – Sedona Campus, 3700 W. State Route 89A, Sedona. Registration is appreciated; please call, 204-4160.

Along with BSE, the best early detection is digital mammography. Now available at VVMC-Sedona and Cottonwood campuses, women may self-refer to obtain a digital mammogram. You must, however, have a physician contact to whom results will be sent. Saturday appointments are available in Cottonwood two Saturdays a month. Call 639-6580 for more information or an appointment for digital mammography.

The Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, with campuses in Flagstaff and Sedona, is a non-profit cancer system devoted to improving cancer care through advanced technology, while earning the trust and respect of families and patients through individualized care.

For more information about services and programs offered at the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare and/or Verde Valley Medical Center, visit VerdeValleyMedicalCenter.com