As public focus on breast cancer awareness increases during the month of October Care for Yourself Program Coordinator Carla Boat with Marion County Public Health says guidelines for cancer screening from the American Cancer Society have changed.

Boat says the change makes it easier for women to stay up to date on checks and improve early detection for better health outcomes. The new guidelines suggest women begin having yearly mammograms by age 45, and can change to having mammograms every other year beginning at age 55. Women who have a direct relative who has been diagnosed with cancer should begin screening 10 years before the relative was diagnosed. Tune in to the the KNIA/KRLS Save-A-Life Radiothon held at the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. for more information about cancer prevention and testimonials from survivors, care providers, friends and family of those affected by cancer.