Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 15 Breast Cancer Facts to Share with the Women in Your Life

Breast Cancer Awareness month is almost at a close, but all year round thousands of women fight bravely against this disease. Here at Mountainside Medical Equipment, we're proud to spotlight their experiences and share breast cancer knowledge all year around. Below are some vital facts about breast cancer that you can share with the important people in your life.

10 Facts About Breast Cancer You May Not Know

1. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year, about 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
2. The leading risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman. Though breast cancer does occur in men, the disease is 100 times more common in women.
3. A woman has nearly a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
4. Men can also get breast cancer. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in the United States.
5. Cancer is NOT just a hereditary disease. Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary. Just because you may not have any immediate family members with breast cancer, doesn't mean that you shouldn't take preventative measures to lower your risk, and get screened for the disease.
6. Check yourself. 1 in 8 women today will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Many of these women will find their own lumps before a doctor does.
7. Approximately 8 out of 10 women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. However, women who have close blood relatives with breast cancer do have a higher risk. Having a first degree relative with breast cancer almost doubles a woman's risk.
8. As you age, your risk of breast cancer increases. Most breast cancers are found in women age 55 and older, but that does not mean that they can't be found in women as young as 20 years old. 
9. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, right after skin cancer. Overall, cancer deaths are the second most common cause of death for women, after heart disease.
10. Prevention is key! Routine mammograms and screening for breast cancer is critical to prevent and detect the disease early. Early detection can mean life or death, and increases your chance of survival.
11. You can take part in breast cancer research: If you're a breast cancer patient, participating in a clinical trial can help others with the disease, now and in the future.
12. Breast cancer survivors make great mentors! If you've survived breast cancer, consider joining the Reach to Recovery program to provide emotional and informational support to others facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
13. Breast cancer can harm your self-image. But there are services available to help you feel more confident. Look Good Feel Better is a free, community-based service that teaches breast cancer patients beauty techniques to improve their self-confidence during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
14. Lack of transportation can make access to breast cancer treatment difficult. Consider volunteering to be a driver for Road to Recovery, a program that helps breast cancer patients get to medical appointments.
15. Many battles in the fight against breast cancer happen in legislation. Join the American Cancer Society Action Network (ACS AN) to help make your voice heard and support federal programs that improve access to medical care for everyone.

Take a stand for your health! Do not ignore your routine testing and physical examinations, and do not discount checking yourself either. You know your body best; if you feel that something is wrong, or if you see that something doesn't look or feel right, go to your doctor. Do not think of yourself as paranoid or consider yourself a hypochondriac. If something feels off, it most likely is, and even if you feel fine or don't feel any lumps, get screened and tested anyway. That is the only way to know for sure if you are healthy. 

Visit Mountainside Medical Equipment for the Best Women's Health and Breast Cancer Awareness Products

Breast cancer prevention is about access to quality preventative healthcare and living a healthy lifestyle. Luckily Mountainside Medical Equipment has you covered! We've got what you need to keep active and stay healthy. Click this link to visit our women's health products!