October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. For the past 30 years, The NBCF has supported women by helping them get access to the education, screening, and support they need. NBCF states that the theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is RISE. The goal is to encourage everyone to RISE and ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves.

Breast Cancer Fast Facts

As listed by the CDC and BreastCancer.org, here are some fast facts about breast cancer that you need to know:

1. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
2. In 2022, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
3. 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
4. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer can also affect younger women.
5. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States.

While breast cancer is most common in women, many people do not realize that men can also get breast cancer. According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 100 diagnosed cases in the United States is found in a man. About 2,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2022. Several factors can increase a man’s chance of getting breast cancer including:

1. Age: The risk for breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are found after age 50.
2. Weight: Older men who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than men at a normal weight.
3. Liver Disease: Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
4. Family History: A man’s risk for breast cancer is higher if a close family member has had breast cancer.
5. Genetics: Inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase breast cancer risk.

Men should talk with their doctors about their risk factors to create a screening and prevention plan.

How to Get Involved

1. The third Friday of each October, October 21, 2022 this year, is National Mammography Day. If you haven’t already, talk with your doctor about scheduling regular mammograms. They are the best way to detect breast cancer early and increase your survival rate.
2. Take the Mammo Pledge and get free resources to make screening easier.
3. Throughout the month, wear pink to show your support and help raise awareness for breast cancer.
4. Download the Community Sharing Calendar and spread the word about NBCF on your social channels throughout October.
5. Join Game Pink and host a charity livestream for NBCF.
6. Join the cause! Donate to provide mammograms and education to women in need, create or participate in fundraisers or become a volunteer. Visit NationalBreastCancer.org to learn more about how you can join the cause.

To learn more, click here!