National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2007
Breast cancer is the most common cancer suffered by women within the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007, ~178,480 women will discover they have invasive breast cancer, and ~40,460 will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer, for women. These are difficult statistics to grasp. Many of us have had or known someone who has had breast cancer. Many are able to beat it through increased treatment options and through early detection. The problem does continue to exist however and many are dealing with losing loved ones because of it.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker. Nancy’s sister, Susan, was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer in 1978 and passed away three years later from the disease. Brinker was determined to honor her sister’s memory and help end the disease – the result being the creation of the foundation and the amazing legacy it has created. The Race for the Cure fund raising activities and the creation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month are just some of its triumphs.
When Brinker started the foundation, the five-year survival rate among breast cancer sufferers was 74%. Now, the five-year rate is 98%. When it started, less than 30% of women had yearly mammograms; now 75% have yearly mammograms. “Unfortunately, breast cancer is growing at a fast rate in developing countries,†said Brinker. “Our message for 2008 is to approach breast cancer as the global issue it is.â€
Those who have lost someone due to breast cancer or who are suffering from it now – keep hope and be involved in the activities that promote awareness and research funding, especially in October during the awareness month.
You can learn more about breast cancer at the following web sites:
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: www.komen.org
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: http://nbcam.org/
Quotes and information taken from a recent interview with Nancy Brinker featured in the October 2007 edition of Cooking Light.
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