What is Breast Cancer, you ask?

                Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

Here I have compiled a list of facts about breast cancer, when to get checked, early detection plans, etc.

 

Breast Cancer Facts

• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes, just in the United States alone.
• Over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the U.S. today.
• One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Each year it is estimated that over 252,710 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,500 will die each year.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approx. 460 will die each year.

Early Detection Plans are a good way to take your health into your own hands and take the extra preventative steps and potentially saving your own life.

• Beginning at age 20 you should perform breast self-examinations and look for any signs of change. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions making sure to do this to the entire breast area as well as the armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure – squeeze the nipple as you check for discharge and lumps.
• At ages 20 to 39, it is a good idea to schedule a clinical breast exam every three years depending on family history.
• Ages 40 to 49 have a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings and family history.
• Ages 50 and older, it is important to have a mammogram every year. Half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are those that are over the age of 65.

Most insurance companies provide you a free, preventative women’s health checkup a year, this includes mammograms, pap smears, and birth control consultations. Check with them to be sure!

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