It’s October, and that means it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where millions of Americans wear pink in support of those who struggle with breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. every single day.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held in October every year, a time to promote screening and prevention of this disease that affects one in eight women in this country annually and 2.3 million women worldwide. Throughout the month, there will be many campaigns and programs conducted by breast cancer advocacy organizations, local community organizations, and major retailers with the goal of supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer. These campaigns and programs will also educate people about the risk factors for breast cancer while stressing how important regular screening is beginning at age 40.

Fortunately, most women can survive breast cancer when it’s detected early enough, which is why awareness and education are so important. This week, we will go over some statistics about breast cancer and how you can support the cause throughout the month of October and beyond.

The Statistics

Knowledge is power. According to both the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and the American Cancer Society:

  • Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in females, besides skin cancer.
  • When caught in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate is 99% percent.
  • Approximately 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed before cancer has spread outside of the breast. This is when it is easiest to treat.
  • There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
  • Breast cancer also happens to men. In fact, 1 in 1,000 men receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
  • Drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk.
  • Just five to 10 percent of those diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.
  • Nine percent of all new breast cancer cases in this country are diagnosed in females younger than 45 years old.
  • The early detection of breast cancer through yearly mammograms and breast ultrasound exams is your best defense against getting a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis.

Resources: How You Can Help

While you may want to help, you may not know what resources are out there and how you can contribute to such a worthy cause. Here are some ideas on how you can show your support.

  • Wear pink: As you may already be aware, pink ribbons are the international symbol for breast cancer. Wear pink all month long, from pink ribbons and clothes to pink nails and hair.
  • Volunteer: There are many local and national volunteer organizations with missions to raise awareness for breast cancer, such as the American Cancer Society (ACS), which runs many volunteer programs and events, like Relay For Life.
  • Help a cancer patient: If you have a loved one who has been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, or someone in your community has, you can organize meal deliveries and rides to doctor appointments, as well as create a support network online such as CaringBridge where you can keep everyone updated on your loved one’s progress through treatments.
  • Participate in a walk or run: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest breast cancer education and fundraising organization in the world. It’s a series of 5K runs and walks around the country. The 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile, three-day event. Here you can find a Komen Race near you to participate in.
  • Hold your own fundraiser: Raise funds for breast cancer research by holding a car wash, lemonade stand, yard sale, or bake sale.
  • Educate yourself about cancer screenings: Many women don’t expect to receive a breast cancer diagnosis until it actually happens to them. Understand the risks of developing breast cancer, and know that early detection is key in treating – and beating – breast cancer. Check your own breasts for abnormalities each month and encourage your friends to do the same. Book a breast ultrasound on top of your yearly mammogram if you are at a higher risk for breast cancer or you just want peace of mind.

Book Your Breast Ultrasound at the Sono Center Today

There’s no better time to take control of your breast health than October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take a few moments to book your appointment online for SonoCine AWBUS and visit our leading radiology facility located at 960 E Green St #166 in Pasadena, CA. We specialize in breast screening and the early detection of breast cancers that are most frequently missed with mammography. To learn more, call us at 626-381-9430.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.