Damey and I recently read about someone who had postponed her mammogram due to the COVID pandemic and had been diagnosed with breast cancer. As she shared the terrifying moments of receiving the diagnosis and the subsequent chemotherapy, she was adamant that no woman put off her mammogram because early detection could be the difference between life and death.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we have never been more aware of the perils surrounding this life-threatening condition than having known more than a few women who are undergoing treatment, who are breast cancer survivors, or who have not survived.
Damey is a Licensed Practical Nurse, so she had a natural curiosity about the prevalence of breast cancer in Ohio, so we both did some research on the statistics and facts surrounding it.
Here is an overview of Ohio breast cancer stats and facts as reported by the Ohio Department of Health, so you have better awareness as we do.
Who Gets Breast Cancer in Ohio?
- In 2018, 9,832 invasive and 1,987 in situ (earliest stage) breast cancer cases were diagnosed among females.
- 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.
- 1 in 8 women in the United States who live to be age 85 will develop breast cancer.
Early Detection is Vital
- 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 Deaths in Ohio
- In 2019, 1,744 deaths occurred among women due to breast cancer.
- Overall, breast cancer death rates among women decreased 11% from 2010-2019.
- Black women have higher breast cancer death rates than white women.
Get Screened for Breast Cancer in Ohio
- 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 40’s.
- 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.
Have you postponed your mammogram for whatever reason? Are you at greater risk of breast cancer due to race, heredity, or some other factor? We encourage you to make your appointment today!
Home Helpers® employs professional caregivers who can provide care services like safe transportation assistance, companionship, and moral support to and from doctor appointments, mammograms, and other health screenings. 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 undergoing treatment for 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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