Breast Cancer Awareness
October is widely regarded as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but what exactly does that mean? According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global campaign used to raise awareness about breast cancer, as well as to increase prevention, treatment, and critical support for patients and survivors. Inside of Breast Cancer Awareness month are several related awareness dates which help to emphasize several important elements in the fight against breast cancer:
September 28-October 4: National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week
October 2: National Previvor Day
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 11: World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
October 13: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
October 17: National Mammography Day
October 17-23: Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week
Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity to highlight information and make sure our loved ones have access to important facts and figures.
Who can get breast cancer?
While it’s often assumed that only women can develop breast cancer, the truth is, anyone can be diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s 2024 report, 1 in 8 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Per the CDC’s 2024 report, 1 in 100 men are also diagnosed.
Risk factors vary, however breast cancer diagnosis is highest among women in their 70s (4.2% or 1 in 24 women); whereas women in their 80s have the highest risk of death due to breast cancer (1.0% or 1 in 103 women).
Are there symptoms?
Typically, breast cancer has no discernable symptoms when it is small and easily detected. This is why mammography screening is so imperative for early detection. It’s important to note that any persistent change in the breast should be evaluated by your physician.
Survivability
Cancer diagnoses of any kind can be incredibly daunting, and there’s understandably a great amount of fear involved. Thanks to advances in research, the breast cancer death rate has dropped by 44% since 1989. This is hugely due to progress surrounding treatment options and the ability to increase early detection, which helps to increase survivability of this diagnosis.
Want to help raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer? Visit BCRF.org to learn more, and consider donating to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.