October is breast cancer awareness month and though there are only two days left in October, Pamela Davis, director of oncology service line from St. Francis Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center is trying to inform SF State students about breast cancer awareness.

“This is a life skill that women need to learn on how to give yourself a self-breast examination,” said Davis. She recommends all women learn how to give a self-breast exam by the age of 21.

At age 40, women should get an x-ray or mammogram of their breasts every year according to Michelle Alexander, oncology data coordinator at St. Francis Memorial Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center. “If there is a strong family background of breast cancer then we suggest women to get checked at the age of 35,” said Alexander.

SF State student Ashley Welton said this is great way to get women to get their breasts examined. “This brings this to everyone’s attention and it’s something that can be prevented” said Welton, a design industrial major.

“Not too many women put this as their main obligation,” said SF State student Christina Quintero, 26, a industrial design major. “Early detection is the key,” said Quintero.

To learn more about breast cancer and how to detect it early, visit te American Society Web site www.cancer.org.