Every October, people from across the United States and around the world come together to raise awareness about Breast Cancer. From the Breast Cancer walks to the NFL sporting the color pink, breast cancer awareness is on the rise, which should not come as a suprise. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. But all is not doom and gloom. Between the years of 1999 and 2006, breast cancer rates decreased by 2% per year. Mortality rates between 1998 and 2006 decreased by 1.9% per year. It is thought that part of the decrease in prevalence can be attributed to the reduced number of women receiving hormone replacement therapy. Mortality rates are declining as a result of earlier detection and advances in treatment options.
While breast cancer is most prevalent in women, men are at risk for it also. According to the Centers for Disease Control for every 100 women diagnosed with the disease, one man will also be diagnosed. While a family history of breast cancer does increase one's risk of getting the disease , the majority of diagnosed women have no family history.
The best defense is a good offense. Therefore, it is important to start getting a mammogram yearly or every other year beginning with your 40th birthday. Monthly self-breast examinations are important as are yearly breast exams by your physician.
