Fearless Women vs. Breast Cancer

Fearless Women vs. Breast Cancer

Although Breast Cancer Awareness month has come and gone this year, do not forget the importance of prevention, treatment, and education on this issue. No matter who you voted for or your political position, this is an issue for the people to face themselves.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and it affects women of all age groups, ethnicities, and lifestyles. This is one of the main reasons that fighting Breast Cancer is so important. With the likelihood of women being diagnosed at nearly 12% we cannot ignore it.

Myths About Breast Cancer

Men cannot be diagnosed with breast cancer.

TRUTH:  Each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die.

Small-breasted women have less chance of getting breast cancer.

TRUTH:  Although women with larger breasts may have to do more testing to see all of the breast tissue, There’s no connection between the size of your breasts and your risk of getting breast cancer.

Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.

TRUTH:  Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

Facts About Breast Cancer

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)

In the year 2008 alone:

• 210,203 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer
• 40,589 women in the United States died from breast cancer

Other Facts:

• The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.
• The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.
• The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

All of these statistics and figures really bring a sense of fear and urgency to the issue, but the positive news is that progress is being made. Especially in recent years, as knowledge has been more widespread the level of understanding and awareness has increased. We have also seen a drastic increase in non-profits and charities taking the initiative global and fighting back.

Organizations Helping The Fight Against Breast Cancer

Organizations like The Tigerlily Foundation and Susan G. Komen help enable women to live with Breast Cancer and Fight It Off at the same time. It is organizations and people that advocate for the cure that also help educate and prevent Breast Cancer.

Tigerlily Foundation

The Tigerlily foundation was founded by 5-year survivor of breast cancer, Maimah Karmo. Ever since her Breast Cancer diagnosis at 4:45 P.M. on February 28th, 2006, Maimah has been an advocate and champion for women all over living with and fighting Breast Cancer. Her focus, in addition to finding a cure, is to help improve and better the lives of women currently fighting and living with Breast Cancer.

Susan G. Komen

The Susan G. Komen foundation has been one of the most successful national and international campaigns to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. With races for charity, events, and donations combined, The Susan G. Komen Foundation aims to find a cure as soon as possible. The finds raised by Susan G. Komen For The Cure go directly to breast cancer research, education, advocacy, health services and social support programs in the U.S., and through partnerships in more than 50 countries.

As you continue reading below, the two images represent two figures and facts that are striking reminders of how important it is that we continue to educate, prevent, and treat this terrible cancer.

The truth is that 1 in 8 women at some point in their lifetime will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. 

Jamie Pratt is a contributing writer for The Breast Cancer Society, Inc. — a comprehensive resource guide covering breast cancer information, facts, statistics and other pertinent information. Learn more about their cause and join the community that has already helped thousands of breast cancer patients and survivors.