Experts Urge Annual Mammograms From Age 40

October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month has prompted nationwide events — from landmark lightings and Making Strides walks to survivor services and mobile mammogram units — to promote screening and support. Health experts, including the American Cancer Society, recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40 for average‑risk women, with earlier or supplemental imaging for those with family, genetic, or dense‑breast risk factors. Local health departments and providers are offering free and mobile screening events to improve access, including a no‑appointment screening in Ludowici, Ga., on Oct. 21. Nevada officials highlighted that early detection yields a roughly 91% five‑year relative survival rate, while reporting that more than 37% of Nevada women age 40+ are overdue for screening. Fundraising and partnerships remain central to outreach, with Making Strides events having raised over $1 billion since 1993 and local drives such as Valley Pink Patch raising $134,000. October is also Fire Prevention Month, and agencies are warning about lithium‑ion battery fire risks while local businesses donate to burn‑survivor support efforts.