We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It may be a close family member, friend, or maybe a neighbor down the street.
We all know someone.
October is breast cancer awareness month.
Why is breast cancer awareness so important? Because the more we talk about breast cancer, the more likely we are to take action and go see a doctor, get a yearly mammogram and perform a monthly breast self-exam.
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better your chances are of survival. Making people aware of breast cancer, saves lives.
Some Startling Facts About Breast Cancer
If you aren’t already getting your yearly mammogram or doing your monthly breast self-exam (and you’re over 40), these statistics might make you think twice about your breast health:
- Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer behind skin cancer. It’s estimated that in 2017, 30% of new cancer cases diagnosed will be breast cancer.
- As of March 2017, there are more than 3.1 million women in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer.
- It’s estimated that there will be 252,710 new cases of breast cancer and 40,610 deaths from breast cancer in 2017.
- Your risk of getting breast cancer doubles if you have a close relative (mother, daughter or sister) with a history of breast cancer.
- 85% of breast cancer cases are in women with no previous family history of breast cancer.
Risk Factors & SIgns of Breast Cancer
This may surprise you, but the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a women and your age. Not family history.
The most common sign of breast cancer is a change in the look or feel of your breast or nipple, or nipple discharge. That’s why it is so important to do breast self-exam every month!
Are you overdue for your yearly exam? Don’t become a statistic. Celebrate breast cancer awareness month by scheduling your mammogram appointment at All About Women today.
