It’s October already! This month ultimately highlighted for Breast Cancer Awareness. Health officials say cancer overall in Guam is the second leading cause of death. It’s why cancer outreach campaign efforts are being pushed year around to make sure the community does their part to get regular checkups and screenings.

The Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Non-Communicable Disease Control has a program to help women at no cost get breast and cervical cancer screening offered to low-income, uninsured, and underserved communities. Rachel Ramirez said jokingly, "I’m the health educator for the Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. That’s such a long name."

With that long job title, Ramirez's comes with a tremendous responsibility. "We are celebrating and every October the nation observes, not only here in Guam but all throughout the mainland US, the territories of the US and the native tribal organizations," she explained.

The month is important in its own right. "But it doesn’t end there," she said. "It’s all throughout the year for us but this is the most important thing because at this time this is an unwelcome pain really where we put out all out efforts in a campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer."

She notes cancer impacts on both women and men. Together We Rise is this year’s campaign slogan.

"The rise is to make sure that every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support that she deserves," Ramirez said.

Ramirez saying early detection - screenings - saves lives. Throughout the month, the program will host multiple outreach events along with a pilot screening effort scheduled for October 15 at the Yona Community Center from 10am to 2pm.

You can also catch Ramirez at one of these six locations throughout the month to find out how to get involved.

Throughout the month, KUAM's Jason Salas and myself are serving as ambassadors for the "Real Men Wear Pink" of Guam and joining forces with the American Cancer Society, so be on the lookout for more on how you can join the cause.