Think Pinker

We hear the words Breast Cancer and a shiver runs down our spine. It’s important to know that breast cancer should not be feared and that success rates are excellent with early detection.

One way to reduce the fear is to know the facts so lets have a look at some of them.

1. More than 2 million women who have breast cancer are still alive in the US.
2. 96% of women who are treated for breast cancer will be cancer free after five years.
3. 80% of all breast lumps are not cancerous
4. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their life.
5. Breast cancer risk goes up as we get older but every women regardless of age is at risk.
6. 75% of women with breast cancer are over the age of 50
7. In women between the ages of 15 and 54 breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.
8. In women between the ages of 55 and 74 breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death.
9. The first signs of breast cancer usually show up on the mammogram before it can be felt.
10. Risk for breast cancer goes up if there is a family history.
11. Over 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
12. Early detection is important which is why self breast exam and mammograms should be done yearly after the age of 40.
13. Estrogen replacement therapy that lasts more than 5 years increases your risk of breast cancer.
14. Every 15 minutes a women dies of breast cancer.

Breast cancer – it’s a fact of life, there’s not ignoring it. Your best defense is being prepared. And remember a diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence. Far from it! Millions of women can proudly say they survived and went on to lead healthy, productive lives.