While October is considered breast cancer awareness month, breast cancer survivor stories take place every day. Throughout the year, Oncology Associates will continue to add new videos to our breast cancer survivors page. We hope that the stories of these patients and survivors will help provide inspiration, hope and awareness to others. Please visit our Breast Cancer Survivor Stories page take a moment to read about these profiles in courage as well as watch their videos.
Breast Cancer Facts
Each year nearly one of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Following skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of death in women, following lung cancer. About 5 to 10% of breast cancers may to attributed to an inherited cancer gene mutation. And roughly 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have do not have any history of breast cancer in their families.
Breast cancer is also not limited to women, as men may be diagnosed with male breast cancer.
Early Detection and Screening
Having a month dedicated to improving the awareness of this disease is outstanding. But this awareness must continue throughout the year, so that both women and men are mindful to take the appropriate steps to detect breast cancer in its early stages. The earlier breast cancer can be diagnosed, the better a patient’s chance to survive it. The National Breast Cancer Foundation encourages people to have an early detection plan. These plans involve receiving reminders to do breast self-exams, as well as to schedule periodic clinical breast exams and mammograms based on your age and your history of health. Visit www.earlydetectionplan.org to learn more about creating your own early detection plan.
More Breast Cancer Information
Learn More About Breast Cancer from Patients and Survivors – Watch more Breast Cancer Stories Here.
Learn More About Breast Cancer Diagnosis.
