It’s Not About Pink Ribbons
October 29, 2024
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it is so much more than pink ribbons. “Although science has made great strides in the battle against breast cancer, approximately 42,250 women will die of breast cancer in the United States this year,” says Kimberley Chan, M.D. “Nearly every woman is at risk of developing this disease.” Did you know that:
- A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, affecting one in eight within the United States.
- Men can get breast cancer too. This year, approximately 2,790 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
No one can afford to be complacent about breast cancer. “A popular and well-known actress was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in both breasts in 2023,” states Denise Ishimaru, M.D. “Her early detection started with a breast cancer risk assessment, which is a quick and simple questionnaire that can be helpful even if genetic testing results are negative. You can fill out this simple questionnaire at the time of your screening mammogram or during the next visit with your healthcare provider.”
How can you join the fight against breast cancer? If you are a woman who has skipped her regular screening, schedule it now. If you have a mother, wife, sister or adult daughter, remind them to get screened now. And if you love–or have loved–someone who has been touched by breast cancer, consider joining one of the many fundraising events in your area. For more information, log onto https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/events/.
