Take just a second & look around here at the women you interact with, be it status, forums or chat. Now take 8 of those women, really look at those women & in no particular order, single one out, the one that comes to mind first for whatever reason. Humor me. Now think of her as a mom, a sister, auntie, cousin, granny,friend or lover. 1 in 8 women at some point in their lives will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer.Yes, it's "that month" again
What are the key statistics about breast cancer? Here's some US tidbits.......
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About 1 in 8 (12%) women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2013 are:
About 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
About 64,640 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
About 39,620 women will die from breast cancer
After increasing for more than 2 decades, female breast cancer incidence rates began decreasing in 2000 (decreasing but not vanishing), then dropped by about 7% from 2002 to 2003. This large decrease was thought to be due to the decline in use of hormone therapy after menopause that occurred after the results of the Women's Health Initiative were published in 2002. This study linked the use of hormone therapy to an increased risk of breast cancer and heart diseases. Incidence rates have been stable in recent years.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.
At this time there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. (This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.)
We all, in one way or another have been affected by these shitty statistics. It sucks, it reeks, it bites. Plain & simple. Every day should be awareness day not just for one type but for every form of this brutal uncaring undiscriminating disease. Please, please, please I can't beg everyone enough, male & female alike, nag, hound, bitch & moan at the women in your lives yourself included ladies) EARLY DETECTION (self examinations) & MAMMOGRAMS. Quite literally a matter of life & death. Not sure how to do self exams? GOOGLE the ways, I know you have internet access. Do it for all of us, I want each & every female I know to be here for the long haul. Get off your ass, put ya big girl thongs on & just do it. Scared of what you might find? Good, a little fear might get you out there to the doc.
To those that we have had taken, we love & miss you. To those that are fighting, peace, strength & we're here for you. To those of us who have beaten this hateful disease, never slack off.
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