As soon as we begin the month of October, we are encouraged to “think pink” in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Based on current statistics, Damey and I agree that breast cancer awareness is vital to survival.
According to BreastCancer.org, “Breast cancer accounts for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, making it the most common cancer in the world.”
- About 13% (about 1 in 8) of U.S. women are going to develop invasive breast cancer in the course of their life.
- In 2023, an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in U.S. women, along with 55,720 new cases of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), or early breast cancer.
- In 2023, an estimated 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 833.
- There are currently more than 4 million women with a history of breast cancer in the United States. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women. About 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women each year are breast cancer.
- Breast cancer accounted for 29% of all cancers in women residing in Ohio in 2018.
- Breast cancer was diagnosed in 76 men in Ohio in 2018.
Early Detection is Key to Successful Outcomes
The American Cancer Society says, “Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is so important.”
- In Ohio in 2018, 72% of female breast cancers were diagnosed at an early stage.
- Nearly 100% of women in Ohio diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer that had not spread survived 5 years.
- 30% of women in Ohio diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to distant organs survived 5 years.
Breast cancer screening is performed in several different ways:
- Mammograms
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Newer and Experimental Breast Imaging Tests
The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammogram screening every 2 years for women ages 50-74, who are at average risk.
The decision to start screening mammography prior to age 50 should be an individual one. However, women with a parent, sibling, or child with breast cancer are at higher risk for breast cancer and may benefit more than average-risk women from beginning screening in their 40s.
Considering that breast cancer is being detected more frequently than ever in women younger than 40, it is highly recommended that women of all ages understand their risk factors, routinely perform self-exams, talk to their doctor, and get screened.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Project offers no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic testing to qualified participants. Call 844-430-BCCP [2227] for more information.
Our licensed, bonded, and insured Home Helpers® caregivers are available to provide a variety of in-home care services, like safe transportation assistance to and from doctor appointments, mammograms, and other health screenings, companionship, and moral support. Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to talk about how we can help make life easier for you or a loved one with or without breast cancer.
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and the International Franchise Association. In addition, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton proudly serves male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
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