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Breast Cancer: Statistics and How You Can Use Them
In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Last year, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
These are some of the statistics related to breast cancer. At first glance, it is quite alarming. But the more you know about breast cancer statistics, the less you have to worry about the great unknown.
With modern medicine, doctors have become more confident about treating stage I breast cancer that they are able to give patients a 100 percent 5-year survival rate. Even in slightly more advanced stages of the disease, doctors are often extremely optimistic. Those with stage IIA have a 92 percent chance of surviving for at least five years, and even those with stage IIIB breast cancer have a 54 percent survival rate. With hope, miracles can occur every day with cancer patients.
Another reason for women to be optimistic is that incidence rates of the disease in the United States have actually been decreasing for the last decade. From 1999 to 2005, the rate dropped by 2.2 percent which is a large number for a disease affecting 12 percent of all women. By the same token, instances of death from breast cancer have been dropping for more than a decade especially for women aged under 50.
While breast cancer is a very serious disease it is important for women to understand that it is not a death sentence. Being well informed, getting regular exams and immediately taking action against any early warning signs are the best ways to detect possible cancerous cells. Addressing them while they are still easy to treat gives the person a biger chance of surviving the disease.
The Breast Cancer Society Inc. in Mesa, Arizona is one of the only national breast cancer charities in the U.S. whose focus is on providing direct help and assistance to those who are suffering from breast cancer.
Apart from providing direct financial assistance, supplies, education, referral services, and in-home care to women with breast cancer in the U.S., The Breast Cancer Society also operates an extensive program of procuring medicines, care items, and medical supplies that are sent around the world. They have partners in impoverished or developing countries that are established and reputable to provide these services.
If you wish to wear the breast cancer logo and get involved, check out their web site at breastcancersociety.org and see how you can help.
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