ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, it's an important time to not only spread information about the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, but to give people the tools to fight back against the disease.

Unfortunately, not all patients have access to what can be life-saving measures. According to Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Black women have a 40% higher breast cancer death rate than white women.

The company says mammograms are key to early detection so the cancer can be treated. Sadly, structural barriers such as lack of health insurance, childcare and transportation prevent some from getting screened.

Excellus is working to help medically under-served communities.

"We want to educate and inform, especially our African American community because we are more likely to get breast cancer and the mortality rate is higher," said Charmaine Geeter, a National Witness Project board member.

Monroe and Livingston counties have the highest mammogram rates in the Rochester region.

New York state guidelines recommend a mammogram every two years for individuals aged 50 to 74. Those with a family history of breast cancer should be getting screened more often and earlier in life.