Breast Cancer Awareness
October has officially arrived! This October as you celebrate Halloween, carve pumpkins and decorate your house with everything black and orange, make sure to remember the color pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Why is it so important?
Did you know that other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women? The United States recommends that if you are 50 to 74 years old, you need to be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. Breast cancer has many different symptoms and sometimes people have no symptoms at all. Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.
Facts
- Breast cancer is usually found in women who are 50 years old or older.
- Breast cancer also affects younger women. About 11% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.
- Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common.
- More than 200,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease each year in the United States.
- About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
Raise Awareness
Throughout the month of October, many different businesses, companies, celebrities and sports teams raise awareness for breast cancer. This coming Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys will host their Breast Cancer Awareness game against Cincinnati. The American Cancer Society and the National Football League have teamed up to host a nationwide breast cancer awareness event.
Make a Difference
This October is your chance to make a difference. Raise awareness for breast cancer and show your support by wearing the color pink. Inform yourself about breast cancer so that you can then help to inform others. Encourage your friends and family to go to the doctor and have a breast check done. Remember that breast cancer is easier to treat when found early. Choose to make a difference today!
