National Mammography Day was on October 15th and state agencies used the observance to remind women to schedule their mammograms.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 41,000 women and 450 men in the United States die each year from breast cancer. Early detection can help save lives.  Mammography remains the most effective means to detect cancer in its earliest stages. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) administers the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) which offers free mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests to eligible women. Even if a woman has already been diagnosed with cancer, she may receive free treatment if she qualifies. State law requires mammography facilities to provide patients with information about breast cancer detection and diagnosis.  The informational brochure, Breast Cancer, Your Right to Know, is available on IEMA’s website (www.iema.illinois.gov) for use by facilities and patients.  The brochure is available in both English and Spanish. To learn more about the IDPH Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, call the Women’s Health-Line toll free at 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY)