Wayne Salter, Health and Human Services Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Wayne Salter, Health and Human Services Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
On Oct. 17, National Mammography Day, North Dakota Health and Human Services and Women’s Way are encouraging women to prioritize regular mammograms for early detection of breast cancer. Sharon Whitmer, a retired nurse who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, shared her experience to highlight the importance of routine screenings.
“I realized that if I had not been faithfully getting my mammograms, that it probably would have been missed,” said Whitmer.
Women’s Way is North Dakota’s program focused on early detection of breast and cervical cancer. The program stresses that regular mammograms can help find cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.
According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, about 76% of women aged 40-74 in North Dakota reported having a mammogram within the past two years in 2024. The data also show disparities based on income: women earning $50,000 or more a year have a higher screening rate (79%) compared to those earning less than $25,000 (60.9%). Uninsured women also tend to have lower screening rates.
Women’s Way provides free breast cancer screenings for uninsured and lower-income women in North Dakota. The program aims to help these women access routine screenings and offers support such as transportation assistance for those who qualify. More information is available at hhs.nd.gov/womensway or by calling 800-449-6636.
The program also collaborates with partner clinics to use evidence-based strategies to improve screening rates across the state.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40-74 at average risk get a mammogram every two years. Women with a family history or other risk factors should consult their health care provider about appropriate screening tests and frequency.
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, individuals can reduce their risk by limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking or tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, limiting hormone replacement therapy, and keeping up with medical checkups and recommended screenings.
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