Reminder: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Have you checked yourself?
From our friends at the Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women's Health Research, the yearly reminder brings to mind the latest on breast cancer. As of today:
1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer.
Breast cancer comprises about 15% of all cancer cases in the US and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women, behind lung cancer.
Overall estimated 5-year survival in female breast cancer patients is around 90% but differs significantly across different stages of breast cancer; 99% when localized to the breast, 85% when localized to the breast and armpit, and 27% if spread to other parts of the body at diagnosis.
Common risk factors include family history, aging, obesity, alcohol consumption, delayed or no childbearing, high dose of radiation (for treating lymphomas) and menopausal hormone therapy.
Awareness is key to staying healthy! Remember to include your yealy mammogram in your yearly check up.
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The above information is intended exclusively for informational purposes. Please check with your physitian for any questions.
Summary includes information form the following sources:
City of Hope: http://www.cityofhope.org/blog/breast-cancer-infographic
Breast Cancer.org: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer
CDC/Breast Cancer http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
Cancer Center Treatment of America http://www.cancercenter.com/
Shutterstock images licensed to Carolyn Northrup
