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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in women.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 41,200 deaths (40,800 women, 400 men) will occur in 2000.
Breast cancer ranks second among cancer deaths in women. According to the most recent data, mortality rates declined significantly during 1992–1996 with the largest decreases in younger women...both white and black.
These decreases are probably the result of earlier detection and improved treatment.

An estimated 182,800 new invasive cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2004. About 1,400 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2004.
After increasing about 4% per year in the 1980s, breast cancer incidence rates in women have leveled off in the 1990s to about 110.6 cases per 100,000.

One in eight women can expect to develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and statistics show that it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and can occur even in women with no history of breast cancer in their families. Some risk factors that have been identified with breast cancer may include:

Women over age 50 who have one or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer

Women that had their first child after 30 or never borne children

Women that had their first menstrual period before age 12

Women that have a personal history of breast disease in general

Early detection of breast cancer can lead to more treatment options, a greater chance of recovery, and less disfigurement.
Women should begin regular screenings at age 40 and continue to have them routinely the rest of their lives.

For more information, please call:
The National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER or check out their website at www.nci.nih.gov

Or:
The American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or check out their website at www.ca.cancer.org

Send this page to friends or loved ones, reminding them that a mammogram can save their lives! Remember also the importance of monthly breast self exams.

Together we can help to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer in our lifetime through education and awareness of the facts. Help fund cancer research by using the special stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service.

This page is dedicated to all the brave women and men that are breast cancer survivors,
The women and men fighting the battle right now against this devastating disease,
And to the many women and men that lost their battle, but whose courage and memory will always live on.

Spread these facts to at least 5 people that are important to you. Make sure that someone knows you care and are thinking of them.

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