What is Breast Cancer? It is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It cannot be prevented! But there are ways to protect your overall health! Early detection can increase your chance of finding breast cancer before it spreads.
Here are a few facts about this horrible disease:
One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
Each year it is estimated that over 252,710 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,500 will die.
Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 460 will die each year.
On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes.
Over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.
There are certain established risk factors that are associated with breast cancer. Genetic (risk factors that cannot be changed) and Environmental (avoidable risk factors).
Genetic Risk Factors include- Gender, age, race, family history, personal health history, menstrual and reproductive history, certain genome changes, and dense breast tissue
Environmental Risk Factors include - lack of physical activity, poor diet, being overweight/obese, drinking alcohol, radiation to the chest, and combined hormone replacement therapy.
The Good news is there has been a gradual reduction in breast cancer rates in women aged 50 and older. And death rates are declining due to better screening, early detection, increased awareness, and improved treatment options.
If you notice any symptoms of breast cancer, such as an unusual lump in your breast or any change in the appearance, feel or shape of your breasts, please reach out to your Physician as soon as possible.
As a private patient advocate, Hughes Advocacy can assist men and women with their medical care that they need following a diagnosis of breast cancer. If you need assistance, please give us a call 205-748-9829.