So what is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. Like other cancers, breast cancer can spread throughout the body. Only a small fraction of breast cancer cases can be linked to genetics.
Here are the facts:
- An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. in 2009.
- An estimated 40,170 women will die. In addition to invasive breast cancer, 62,280 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women in 2009.
- An estimated 1,910 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and an estimated 440 will die in 2009.
- Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths.
- More than two million women currently living in the U.S. have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.
- Females are at greatest risk for getting breast cancer.
- Women age 40 and older are at greatest risk for being diagnosed. A small percentage of women under the age of 40 do develop breast cancer.
- About 85 percent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer DO NOT have a family history.
- Only about 10-15 percent of breast cancers occur because of inherited genetic traits.
- Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen.
- Race is not considered a factor for increased risk of breast cancer. However, rates of developing and dying from the disease differ among ethnic groups.
- Women are less at risk of developing breast cancer if they eat a healthy diet and exercise.
Early Detection
Mammograms are the best and most widely available breast cancer screening tool. They can detect about 85 percent of all breast cancers.
- At age 40, women should get an annual mammogram.
- Women should begin monthly breast self exams by age 20 and have a clinical breast exam at least every three years.
- Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. When breast cancer is diagnosed at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent.
Every year San Diego has its' annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Balboa Park and every year we show up to support! The walk is THIS SUNDAY @ 8am (630am to register) if you're in the area and would like to join go here ---> Making Strides Team
To anyone out there that has survived Breast Cancer, my hat is off to you! please enjoy this inspirational video about Breast Cancer survivors and PLEASE encourage women you know to get checked regularly!!!
