Breast cancer kills more than 40,000 woman a year in the United States and getting a mammogram could mean the difference between life and death. News 12’s Lauren Due went to RWJ Barnabas Health Breast Center in Howell to talk to experts about the importance of early detection.

Corri Sparacio-Scotto, of Manalapan, is going for her routine breast screening now that she's over 40.

“My results thank God have been good,” says Sparacio-Scotto. “There's been a couple times that I've been called back, but it turned out fine, and I try to tell my friends that too. It's not unusual to be called back these days. So, if you are, don't hit the panic button.”

Mammogram tech Maureen Golembowski then sends the images out to be read. If breast cancer is detected, there's someone there to help navigate.

“My job is to let them know that they are not alone and to educate them because that's a powerful tool, and just to let them know that we're there to stand behind them and to support them,” says Erin Dooley, oncology breast nurse navigator.

Dooley is also a breast cancer survivor.

“I know how I felt. It was a very difficult journey,” says Dooley.

Now she wants to help other women.

“The earlier it's found. The better the outcome,” says Dooley.