It’s October, which means it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’re here with some information on breast cancer – the key to fighting this disease is awareness – and finding it as soon as possible.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Check out some facts from the National Breast Cancer Foundation:

 

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life.

FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

A GLOBAL BURDEN

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT BREAST CANCER TRENDS

In recent years, perhaps coinciding with the decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause, we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part to better due to screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatmentoptions.

If you want more information, or know someone who needs support or counseling, you can contact Shareing and Careing, a local organization founded by four breast cancer survivors, or the Adelphy NY StateWide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, both of which offer support, counseling and information for breast cancer survivors, and those currently dealing with breast cancer.