As the month of October continues to roll on, so does the hope of raising awareness around National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The month which was originally created in 1985 by the American Cancer Society has since turned into an international health campaign organized by cancer companies and charities every October, including the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

"Each year (in October) we try to do special awareness for our screening program," Jocelyn Smith, breast cancer screening program manager with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, said. "Our goal of the screening program is to find cancer in the earliest stages, so we're helping to save lives with earlier detection."

The main goal of the month is to increase awareness around the disease and also to generate funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

"Our program screens women 50 years and older, without a family history of breast cancer," Smith explained. "You should have a mammogram every two years (after the age of 50), you will receive a letter from us indicating it's time for a mammogram. If you have any concerns before 50 years of age, you should go to your family physician and get a referral to go to one of the private clinics."

Swift Current has a satellite centre which allows residents of the southwest to book a screening at the Cypress Regional Hospital. There are also clinics in Regina and Saskatoon, along with a mobile unit that travels to rural areas of the province.