October is breast cancer awareness month. Each year across the nation, people wear pink to bring awareness and show support of those who are affected by this disease.
Did you know that the incidence rates for breast cancer in the U.S. had decreased as of the beginning of the millennium in 2000? There was a 7% decrease between 2002 and 2003, theoretically due to the decrease in HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy. Here are some more U.S. statistics:
U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics:
- Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime
- An estimated 268,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2019
- Approximately 2,670 invasive cases in 2019 will be diagnosed in men
- Over 41,000 women in the U.S. are expected to die from the disease in 2019
- A decrease attributed to increased awareness and the result of advanced treatments
- As of January 2019, over 3.1 million U.S. women have a history of this type of cancer
- Death rates in the U.S. for this disease are higher than any other cancer rate besides lung cancer
- Approximately 85% occur in women with no family history of the disease
While people may have different symptoms, there are a lot of similarities that should be mentioned:
- A new lump appears in the breast or armpit
- Breast skin irritation
- Pain in the nipple area of the breast
- Breast swelling
- Redness and/or flaking of the skin on the breast or nipple area
- Discharge in the nipple
While these are some of the most common symptoms, you can read more about them at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Do you have concerns about breast cancer or questions about how to check yourself for signs? Talk to your primary care provider today!