Did You Kow:
- Approximately 1 in 8 women (about 13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. (breastcancer.org)
- In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. (breastcancer.org)
- About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, where the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. (National Breast Cancer Foundation)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of risk factors for breast cancer and promoting early detection. It’s also a good time to be reminded that increasing breast cancer screenings is one of LifeLong’s measures of success.
Early detection through regular screenings can save lives. Below are the American Cancer Society screening recommendations for women at average breast cancer risk:
- Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start annual mammogram screening.
- Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue yearly mammograms.
While The American Cancer Society and other organizations no longer recommend regular breast self-exams as a primary way to detect breast cancer, it’s still important to be aware of how your breasts look and feel, and to report any changes to a doctor.
As we work to educate and support others, it’s equally important to take care of ourselves. We encourage staff members to prioritize their health and get screened for breast cancer regularly. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to better care for others!
