October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

FYI

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. If detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.

The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition. Mammography screenings are a woman's best chance for detecting breast cancer early. When coupled with new treatment options, mammography screenings can significantly improve a woman's chances of survival. We are pleased that our efforts have contributed to more women than ever participating in mammography screening. Independent reports indicate that this has been instrumental in the increase in the survival rate for women with breast cancer.

For more information on breast cancer and the issues surrounding it please visit the following links::

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.