Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual, international campaign designed to help increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment of this disease.

During October, many events will be held to raise awareness and funds, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Race for the Cure.

Breast Cancer Facts

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.
• There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year.
• In the United States, more than 240,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease each year.
• Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
• Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.

Risk Factors

• There are many factors that influence the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including genetics, family and personal history, gender and age. Although many of these factors are out of your control, there are still several ways to help lower your risks. Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active
• Limit or avoid alcohol

Breast Cancer Screenings

Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that if you are 50 to 74 years old, you should have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram.

Your Fund Coverage

The Trust Fund provides coverage for preventive mammograms, annually starting at age 40, according to the recommendations of the American Cancer Society. Take a look at our Preventive Care sectiom of this site for more information.

Resources

• National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• American Cancer Society