Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by Arika Tenbrook, Public Health Registered Nurse

In the United States, breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most common cancer diagnosed in women. According to the National Breast Cancer Coalition, the incidence of this kind of cancer has risen 1% each year since 2012 and currently will affect one in eight women during their lifetime.

The average age of breast cancer diagnosis is age 63, but about one in ten women are diagnosed under the age of 45. Breast cancer can also affect men, so it is important that they learn about the symptoms and prevention as well.

Survival rates for breast cancer are increasing thanks to education, screening, and improved treatments. American Indian/Alaskan Native women have a lower incidence of breast cancer, but a higher mortality rate than white women.

Although experts no longer feel that routine self-breast exams are best practice, they are still a good tool to help you know what is normal for your breasts.

Let’s work to reduce mortality rates through education, breast self-awareness, and routine screening.

Click here to to learn about what screenings you should have and when, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Click here to learn more about self-breast exams, which are a good tool for knowing what is normal for your breasts.