In America today, three million women have breast cancer.

Two million are diagnosed and &045; most frightening of all &045; one million are unaware they even have the disease.

As the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in America (excluding skin cancer) estimates say a quarter of a million new cases of breast cancer will be detected.

And that’s why October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

As a disease with limited detection methods and no known prevention measures, women must be aware and educated about the disease.

Most of the time, early detection offers the only hope for survival some women have.

Vaughan Regional Medical Center is sponsoring a series of seminars on women’s health.

The first seminar, Breast Cancer Awareness and Diagnostics, is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

The presenter will be Mary Karst from the Montgomery Radiology Associates.

Women are encouraged to perform breast examinations and have mammograms at various frequencies depending on their age. Usually, women under 40 are encouraged to perform monthly self-exams and clinical exams once every three years.

Because risk factors increase significantly in women over 40, mammograms are encouraged at least once a year.

Vaughan is holding several seminars about women’s health during October.

The next seminar on Oct. 15 will be about treating heart disease in women.

Presented by Dr. Bruce Taylor of Taylor Internal Medicine of Selma, the session will begin at 10 a.m.

The topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy will be discussed on Oct. 22 by Dr. Nicholas Psomidis of Selma Womencare.

This presentation is also set to begin at 1:30 p.m.

The last seminar session on Breast Cancer Treatment options is on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. Dr. Terry Williams of Montgomery Radiology Associates will be leading the discussion.

All of the seminars are free to the public and will take place in the tower classroom at 1023 Medical Center Parkway.