October Is the Time for Each of Us to Consider the Role We Can Play in Combating Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it's an important time to consider the role that each of us can and must play in combating this disease. Far too many of us have lost a loved one to breast cancer -- or seen a neighbor or a colleague endure painful treatments or a long battle with the disease.

We know that early detection can make all the difference. And I am proud to be a part of an Administration that is working hard to ensure that affordable and accessible preventive care is a reality. Thanks to the health reform law, the Affordable Care Act, most private health plans and Medicare cover women's preventive health care -- such as mammograms and screenings for cervical cancer -with no co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs. This year to date, 3.8 million women in traditional Medicare have received a free mammogram.

Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Jennifer Aniston, and I toured a state-of-the-art breast health center in Northern Virginia. We met with committed health professionals as well as with women who shared personal stories about their battles with breast cancer.

There is no question that we have a lot of work ahead of us -- but I will say that we were all inspired and hopeful after the visit. Please take a minute to see some highlights of our visit, and hear first-hand from some of these inspiring women.

Forward this video to your loved ones, together we will win this fight!

Dr. Jill Biden is the Second Lady of the United States. This post first appeared at The White House Blog.