(CBS) Breast cancer continues to take a heavy toll on American women, 26 years after health advocates named October National Breast Awareness Month.Just how big a toll? In 2006, 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,820 women died, according to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after non-melanoma skin cancer.
But the news isn't all bad. In fact, women are living longer than ever after a diagnosis.
"There has been a decrease in mortality over the last 40 years," says Dr. Deborah Axelrod, director of clinical breast cancer programs and services at New York University Cancer Institute at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. "We have made cancer a chronic disease. I am optimistic."
Here's something else you might know. Men get breast cancer too, though much less frequently than women. For every 100 cases in women, one man gets breast cancer, according to the CDC.
What steps can be taken to reduce the risk? Regular exercise and controlling your weight can help, experts say. So can limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.
Regular mammograms can be helpful too. But it's also important to know the warning signs of breast cancer.
These include:
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
If you want to help raise money for the cause, there are lots of events this month around the country. Here's a short list.
And stay tuned to CBSNews.com. We have a lot of cutting edge coverage coming up over the next few days, including breast cancer myths debunked, what you need to know about mammograms and a step-by-step self examination guide.
other news..
Today is October 1 and that means it’s the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2010. The term National here may be rather confusing though as in fact it’s an international campaign involving the biggest breast cancer charities and its aim is to not only to raise funds for research into breast cancer, but also to raise awareness.
The symbol of the breast cancer campaign since 1993 has been the pink ribbon and for October 2008 pink ribbons adorned the White House in honor of the cause, according to Michael Santo over on Huliq. Many people will take part in Pink Days, sometimes at home, sometimes in neighbourhoods, where people take part in activities to fundraise, often wearing pink.
It’s worth noting that in the US alone around 1 in 8 women will suffer from breast cancer at some point and also that in the US it’s the second most diagnosed cancer amongst women, with only skin cancer at higher levels. It’s not so well known that it’s also possible for men to develop breast cancer though this happens in only around 1% of new cases diagnosed.
There are many particular events taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month including the Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure, probably the largest fundraiser for breast cancer. Other events include The Ride to Empower, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Cure for the Cure and Global Illumination events which are organized by Estee Lauder where major landmarks around the world are lit in pink such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Niagara Falls, Tokyo Tower and the Skytower in New Zealand.
For much more on Breast Cancer Awareness Month including more details of events and walks go to huliq.com. Will you be doing anything to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month? We’re interested to hear of your thoughts and comments about this health campaign so please do send them into us.
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