"Like I mentioned before, self-awareness is very important."

ODESSA, Texas (Big 2/Fox 24) Breast oncologist, Mary Grace Bridges, says staying one step ahead is key, especially for a disease where early-detection is fighting half the battle.

Like I mentioned before, self-awareness is very important, explained Bridges, If a woman ignores like a breast lump, doesnt get their annual screening mammograms, it can become metastatic and spread to the rest of the body. So thats the danger, not detecting it early.

With innovative treatments and early screening, many women are now beating the odds. But this means, keeping up with annual mammograms for women over 40. If you have family members who were diagnosed with the disease before the age of 50, you should start getting tested earlier.

Theres a lot of resources out there for women who think they cant afford it, said Bridges. It doesnt take very long. Id say at the most about 30 minutes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 240,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Of them, about 40,000 will die from the disease.

Being overweight, smoking, alcohol any exposure to hormones that can increase a womans risk. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and not smoking those are really the things that can, have been proven to, decrease those risks.

Bridges advises all women and men to be familiar with the appearance of their breasts and to monitor any changes.

Be aware if theres any changes to the skin or appearance of the nipples, or if they start having any abnormal discharge.

Bridges says most insurances cover the cost of mammograms, but many hospitals and clinics also offer discounts during the month of October. Whatever your reasoning may be to forgo a screening, Bridges says the benefit of getting one will always outweigh the risks.

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The children were separated between July 1, 2017, and June 26, 2018, when a federal judge in San Diego ordered that children in government custody be reunited with their parents.

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WASHINGTON (AP) The United States and Russia inched closer Tuesday to a deal to extend their last remaining arms control pact, after U.S. threats to allow the deal to expire early next year.

The two sides signaled they are ready to accept compromises to salvage the New START treaty just two weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election in which President Donald Trump faces a strong challenge from former Vice President Joe Biden, whose campaign has accused Trump of being soft on Russia.

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DALLAS (NewsNation Now) With coronavirus vaccines in the works, the big question is: when will Americans have access to one?

This week, several states announced their plans for distribution once a vaccine has been verified. While so much is left to be figured out, the general consensus is that there will be an order, and front line health care workers are up first.

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Breast oncologist breaks down myths, prevention and tell-tale signs - FOX40