We all know someone that has fought against Breast Cancer.
The disease is the second-most common type of cancer among American women, behind skin cancer. Each year, more than 250,000 cases are detected. One in eight women will be diagnosed with it over the course of their lifetime. Older Americans are at an increased risk of breast cancer, as two out of every three cases are in women older than 55.
For many of us, each October takes on a special meaning as we remember and honor those who have fought the disease. All month long, we’ll be wearing pink as we stand united, aiming to find a cure for breast cancer.
The first National Breast Cancer Awareness Month took place in 1985, nearly 40 years ago. Central to the cause was Betty Ford, wife of former President Gerald Ford. Betty, a survivor of breast cancer, had been diagnosed with the disease while her husband occupied the nation’s highest office, bringing visibility to those who were fighting it. Since it was first observed, the survival rate of breast cancer has gone up significantly thanks to increased awareness and research funding.
Now, the survival rate for breast cancer in America is 90 percent. When caught early, before it has spread outside of the breasts and into other areas of the body, that number is 99 percent. Therefore, discovering cancer early plays a significant part in improving survival rates.
The American Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of early detection or finding the disease before it starts to produce symptoms. To find it before it begins to spread, they say women should undergo regular screening beyond self-exams and checks.
According to the American Cancer Society, Women above the age of 55 who are at average risk of breast cancer can be screened via a mammogram each year or every other year for as long as they remain in good health. To be considered average risk, a woman must not have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer, nor should she have a strong family history of it, have undergone chest radiation therapy or carry genes that increase the risk of breast cancer. Mammograms can find cancers years before they develop symptoms, playing a crucial role in early detection.
To be considered at high risk for breast cancer, a woman must have a strong family history of breast cancer, have genes that increase her risk of the disease, or have undergone radiation therapy to the chest between ages 10 and 30. American Cancer Society says women at a high risk of breast cancer should get a mammogram and breast MRI each year, starting at age 30.
Thanks to the success of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the disease’s burden has been significantly reduced since the 1980s. Still, women above the age of 55 must be vigilant, following recommended procedures so that they can catch it early and increase their chances of a better outcome.
At Sagora Senior Living communities across the country, we’ll be wearing pink and standing behind those who are fighting or have fought breast cancer. We will celebrate each victory, each triumph, and we will continue to help work toward a cure.