Albert Lea-area women are urged to participate in one of several upcoming American Cancer Society Friend to Friend sessions.

The Friend to Friend program includes free information on breast cancer and mammograms from a healthcare professional who also can answer questions and help provide a free or low-cost screening for those who meet eligibility requirements.

Created by the American Cancer Society and the Minnesota Department of Health, Friend to Friend encurages women to get regular mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer when the disease is most curable. According to American Cancer screening guildelines, every woman age 40 and over should have an annual mammogram because, compared to other cancers, survival from breast cancer is quite high. When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is nearly 98 percent.

South Country Health Alliance, Freeborn County Public Health, Albert Lea Medical Center and the Minnesota Department of Health&8217;s SAGE program are sponsors of the American Cancer Society Friend to Friend program in Albert Lea.

Friend to Friend programs are set up for April 22 Friend to Friend sessions will be offered at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Riverland Community College Skylight Room.

An April 29 Friend to Friend program is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Bancroft Creek Estates, with a final program set for May 13, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Thornecrest.

For more information or to register for one of the free programs, call 1-888-535-4227.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarteres in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communiities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-27+2345 or visit cancer.org.