The American College of Radiology (ACR) is urging women to register for National Mammography Day, which is October 20. More than 1100 accredited mammography facilities will be participating in the annual event, offering discounted or free mammograms.

National Mammography Day is a key part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a program involving a wide variety of organizations across the nation. Individuals and organizations can learn more about the month’s activities by ordering a free National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Promotion Kit.

To receive one call, toll-free, 877-886-2226.

The purpose of the day is to encourage millions of American women - especially underserved populations and older women - to receive, sign up for, or make a commitment to get a screening mammogram. Participating facilities, all of which have been accredited by the ACR and certified by the US Food and Drug Administration, will either offer free or discounted mammograms on October 20 and throughout the month.

For the second consecutive year, in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACR-accredited mobile mammography units across the nation will be scheduling screening examinations for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women. Underserved areas have been targeted because the number of women in these areas getting screening mammograms continues to be lower than other segments of the population.

The ACR, the American Cancer Society, and numerous other medical and national women’s organizations recommend that starting at age 40 women should have a screening mammogram and a physical breast examination each year.

To find out the centers participating in National Mammography Day, women may call one of the following toll-free numbers:

1-800-227-2345, the American Cancer Society

1-800- 422-6237, the National Cancer Institute

1-800-462-9273, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

1-888-806-2226, National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO)

1-800-221-2141, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization