Breast Cancer Awareness And The Economy
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October, is almost upon us. It is a time to bring a heightened sense of awareness about this horrendous disease which affects millions of families each year.
The facts are staggering.
Breast Cancer Facts
This disease cancer strikes women in America more than any other form of cancer, and is the second deadliest form of cancer, the first being that of lung cancer.
In the United States alone, more than two million women have been diagnosed with this horrific form of cancer.
Family history is not a major indicating factor in the chances of acquiring this disease, in fact approximately 85 percent of women diagnosed do not have a family history of this life threatening disease.
Although uncommon, this can affect men as well as women. Hundreds of men die from this insidious form of cancer each year.
The cause is unknown, but it is a fact that all women are at risk, and the risk increases with age. Early breast cancer detection is the key to survival.
Despite this well known fact, diagnostic testing centers are experiencing a decrease in the numbers of patients being seen for mammograms. Clearly, this is a sign of the times and a result of the declining economic conditions affecting many households.
Along with job loss, which is affecting more and more people each day, comes loss of health insurance. Every woman knows that early breast cancer detection is the one major thing that can be a lifesaver for those diagnosed with this disease, but clearly many families are dealing with priorities that they consider to be much higher than preventative health.
For some, it could be the decision between putting food on the table or paying for a costly test just to make sure there is no problem. This is a sad fact of life in our times, and there are no easy choices.
What You Can Do To Promote Breast Cancer Awareness
Display the representative pink ribbon on your vehicle
Wear pink ribbon apparel
Participate in a breast cancer walk, such as the Susan G Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk
Share information with others about the importance of self examination and routine mammographies
Donate to someone who is participating in a fundraising event such as the Susan G Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk
Anything you can do, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, could potentially make a huge difference in the life of a family member, friend, or stranger.
Breast Cancer Awareness And The Economy
