Breast cancer is common, but it does not have to be a killer.

According to Scotland Healthcare System, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 90 percent when detected early. It should also be noted that most of the time breast cancer can be detected early with routine screening.

Studies have found that Caucasian women are more likely to develop breast cancer, but African-American women are higher in deaths related to breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What better time for women to have an annual mammogram.

To help make that happen, Scotland Memorial Foundation announced this week that it had been awarded a $75,000 grant from The Komen NC Triangle to the Sea Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

That money will allow the Laurinburg-based foundation to provide breast cancer screenings and additional diagnostic procedures when necessary for uninsured, under insured, low-income, and under-served women between the ages of 40 and 65 who are residents of Scotland County through March 2013.

In addition to the Komen grant, the foundation also raised money through Putting on the Ritz – A Gala of Giving. The money raised last year will provide additional free mammograms to uninsured patients with financial concerns throughout Scotland Health Care System’s service area including Robeson and Richmond counties and Marlboro County in South Carolina.

A doctor’s referral is required.

This latest effort is one more way that people can take care of their health. The same kind of thinking applies to other health concerns. That is why Scotland Memorial Foundation is also sponsoring a free Community Health Night Out program in Bennettsville on Oct. 9 at Skye at 210 East Main Street.

The program is expected to offer participants a chance to mingle with exhibitors and participate in free screenings. The Foundation is providing light refreshments at the beginning of the night and door prizes to end the event.

Guest Speakers include: Dr. Kelvin Raybon, medical oncologist with Scotland Cancer Treatment Center. Raybon will talk with men and women about colorectal cancer and breast cancer issues;

Dr. Linda McClain, Ob/Gyn doctor, who has joined Dr. John Nobles at Marlboro Ob/Gyn. McClain will address women and the need for health screenings; and Dr. David Howell, a family medicine doctor, at Scotland Health Care Center. Howell will discuss the health screenings every one needs.