October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Undoubtedly you will be bombarded online, on the television, in newspapers, on public transport and in shops with information about breast cancer. Yes, this information may get a little tedious. Yes, you may already feel sick at the sight of yet more pink. But do you know what? Breast cancer awareness saves lives.
Even if you are busy, stressed or just too tired to read a long article about breast cancer, take the time out to look at these shocking numbers; you may just find the time to learn more.
1 out of 8 American women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
40,000 – the number of women who will die as a result of breast cancer this year.
1 in 100 breast cancer cases arise in men.
235,000 – the estimated number of breast cancer diagnoses in American women and men in 2013.
2,800,000 – the number of breast cancer survivors living in America today.
40% – the number of breast cancer diagnoses made after a woman finds a lump whilst self-examining.
One in every 556 women who has a mammogram has breast cancer that is detected early, changing the potential prognosis from very bad to very good.
85% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family or genetic link to the disease.
As you can see, early diagnosis, attending mammograms when invited and regular self-examination are key to beating breast cancer. Check your breasts at least once a month and if you notice any of the symptoms of breast cancer, including changes in the shape, color or texture of your breast or chest area, if you are a man, speak to a medical professional.
With advances in cancer research and cancer treatment programs, breast cancer is becoming more and more treatable. To find out more about Functional Oncology, an alternative breast cancer treatment program offered within the Angeles Health Network, get in touch with our US based case managers for a no-obligation chat about what we do to help beat cancer.
