Just about everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer. It’s the second most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States, behind skin cancer. The good news is that the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have come a long way, with new therapies on the horizon.
Breast Cancer Statistics
Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women in this country at some point in their lives. The American Cancer Society estimates there could be as many as 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2021, with 43,600 dying of the disease. A woman’s chance of dying of breast cancer is around 1 in 39.
Breast cancer in men is less common, but it does happen. The American Cancer Society expects about 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer in U.S. men in 2021, with 530 deaths.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness. This is a time when health experts encourage the public to learn more about the disease, their personal risk factors, and how it affects people in their communities.
The goal is to encourage you to get proactive and join the fight against breast cancer. This may include donating funds or raising money for breast cancer research and advocacy, participating in awareness events, or even just showing support for people living with breast cancer by wearing or displaying pink ribbons and other items.
It’s a good time to have a conversation with your health care provider about your breast cancer risk and recommended screenings if you haven’t already.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to talk with your doctor about screenings such as mammograms. A mammogram takes images of breast tissue looking for abnormal growth.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women have regular mammograms at least every two years, starting at age 50 until age 74. However, in some cases, it may make sense to start regular mammograms even earlier, depending on personal risk factors like family history of the disease.
Tips for Raising Awareness
There are several ways you can do your part to help raise breast cancer awareness:
- Take time to educate yourself about the condition. Read up on risk factors, symptoms, screening recommendations, and even first-person accounts of living with breast cancer to build a greater sense of empathy for individuals and families coping with the effects of the disease.
- Spread the word. Share information and stories over social media or in-person with family and friends.
- Participate in breast cancer awareness events in your community. These may include contributing to or volunteering for fundraising efforts, taking part in 5Ks and other fitness events dedicated to breast cancer awareness, and more.
- Go pink. Pink ribbons have become a well-known symbol for breast cancer awareness. You can show your support by pinning one to your shirt, putting a pink ribbon sticker or magnet on your car, or adding one to your social media profile.
If you or someone you care for is living with breast cancer, Simply Medical can be a convenient resource for home health care supplies delivered straight to your door.