Early Detection: Do You Know The Facts?
If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year, over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.
If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.
The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.
All of us have been affected by cancer in some way during our life. It's a horrible disease that no one is safe from. It affects people in every age group. No one is safe. So this post is to remind you all (As if you needed any reminding I know) that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's easy to see the pink everywhere and think that you are doing everything you can to keep yourself safe from it. But are you really? Please make sure you are doing your self exams, keeping your yearly appointments and making sure that if you need to be receiving mammograms that you are. Don't put it off. This is not something that waits until you get time to check because if you wait it may be too late.
So who do you wear Pink for?
All of us have been affected by cancer in some way during our life. It's a horrible disease that no one is safe from. It affects people in every age group. No one is safe. So this post is to remind you all (As if you needed any reminding I know) that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's easy to see the pink everywhere and think that you are doing everything you can to keep yourself safe from it. But are you really? Please make sure you are doing your self exams, keeping your yearly appointments and making sure that if you need to be receiving mammograms that you are. Don't put it off. This is not something that waits until you get time to check because if you wait it may be too late.
So who do you wear Pink for?
PS - Thanks Amber for the reminder AGAIN of how important monthly examination is!
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