Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States and is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
- According to the Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2021 an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.
- Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2021, the projection is that 2,650 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
- 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2021, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
- There are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Every October since 1985, millions throughout the world get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign that increases awareness of the disease and highlights the importance of breast awareness, education, and research. The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it is detected early enough. This is why education and awareness are so important.
Here are some ways you can get involved during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
- Wear pink. A pink ribbon is an international symbol for breast cancer. Wearing a pink ribbon – or pink clothes – is an easy way to show your support for those who are fighting breast cancer.
- Volunteer. There are numerous local and national volunteer organizations that raise awareness for breast cancer.
- Help a cancer patient. There are numerous ways you can help a loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Share facts and statistics. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and American Cancer Society both offer outstanding resources to learn more about breast cancer.
- Educate yourself and others about cancer screenings. Many women never expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis until it happened to them. Knowing the risks of developing breast cancer can help in early detection, which makes cancer more treatable.
- Fund research initiatives. Research initiatives are vital in the quest to find a cure for breast cancer. They can also help us discover more effective prevention methods and treatment options.
- Participate in a run or a walk. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest and most successful breast cancer fundraising and education organization in the world. The organization runs the Komen Race for the Cure, a series of 5K runs and walks around the country.
If you or someone you know is suffering from breast cancer or any other illness, and you are being denied benefits by your insurer, please call Kantor & Kantor for a free consultation or use our online contact form. We understand, and we can help.