Each year, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the world to help increase awareness of breast cancer risks, the value of screening and early detection, and treatment options available to men and women who are diagnosed with this disease.
According to the most recent breast cancer statistics, 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2017 alone, it is estimated that over 250,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be newly diagnosed in addition to over 63,000 cases of non-invasive breast cancer. You can find more information and statistics here.
While deaths related to breast cancer have been on the decline since 1989, over 40,000 deaths are still expected in 2017. The key to fighting cancer is early detection. That is why it is important not to ignore the signs as they appear. Finding breast cancer as early as possible gives women a better chance of successful treatment. Regular monthly breast self-exams can help in detecting any abnormalities in the breast that may be related to breast cancer. Although self-exams are important, they should not take the place of regular screenings, such as mammograms, which can help in detecting cancer in its early stages before symptoms even appear.