Breast Cancer: Why You Should Get Checked
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: a month to remember those who have lost their battle with breast cancer, as well as to recognize those who have survived the disease. Breast cancer changes the lives of thousands of women and their families yearly, and it's important to get checked regularly to increase chances of staying healthy.
Being informed about breast cancer and being aware of symptoms of the disease could change your life. Here are some facts about breast cancer which are also reasons why you should be screened regularly.
- Each year, about 220,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease.
- All women are at risk for breast cancer, and this risk increases with age.
- Although it is not common, men can actually develop breast cancer.
- There are many warning signs of breast cancer, including: lumps, swelling, change in size of breasts, and more.
- Getting a mammography can detect cancer at an early stage, which can increase the rates of survival.
- 1 in 8 women in The United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Breast cancer is the second leading killer of women.