October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and every year at this time the American Cancer Society host events to increase the awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into the cause, prevention and cure.

We all have come into contact with someone who has been afflicted with this disease. Two weeks ago my aunt was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. She assumed that since she reached her 60’s it was no longer necessary to have a mammogram. A lump was discovered on her left breast and it spread to her right breast. She was scheduled for surgery where a double mastectomy was performed with lymph nodes being removed from under both arms. She is currently receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment and her prognosis is good. Below I would like to share some breast cancer statistics relating to this disease and I hope this article will bring awareness to the importance of breast self exams and mammograms.

Facts about Breast Cancer

• 1 in 4 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
• Over 200,00 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year
• Over 40,000 women will die from the disease
• Breast cancer occurs in men, in fact over 1000 men will be diagnosed this year

Five Symptoms of Breast Cancer to be aware of:

• Breast is warm to the touch
• Flat or inverted nipple
• An itchy breast
• Skin around the breast has the appearance of an orange peel
• Breast is inflamed

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

• Age – as we grow older are risk of developing breast cancer increases
• Family History of Breast Cancer – having a family member with breast cancer doubles your risk of the disease
• Race – Caucasians women are diagnosed more frequently than any other race.
• Alcohol Consumption (Yes, its true) – Women who drink alcohol are more likely to increase their risk of breast cancer compared to women who do not drink at all.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Regular Breast Cancer Screening can reveal breast abnormalities that require further testing. Some women detect breast lumps through breast self exams at home, but the 90% are detected through a mammography. This is proof that women must have a regular mammogram to protect themselves from this disease. Early detection is the safest way to save a women’s life and a mammogram is proven effective in identifying breast cancer at an early stage.

With breast cancer education is imperative. Please call the American Cancer society to stay informed about the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment options.

American Cancer Society

19 West 56th Street
New York, NY10019
Phone: 1-800-227-2345