Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP
This October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year in the United States (U.S.), there are more than 250,000 diagnosed cases of breast cancer. However, with monthly self-exams, annual clinical exams, and mammograms, a majority of breast cancer diagnoses can be caught in the early stages and treated successfully.
Breast cancer can impact everyone. Here are some fast facts you may not know:
- Each year, 276,480 women and 2,620 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- About 42,000 women and 510 men in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer.
- Deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, but overall, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women overall.
- There are some risk factors you can control to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. These include:
- Taking hormones.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Physical inactivity.
If you have questions about breast cancer, or if you have a family history of breast cancer, it’s important to reach out to your health care provider, such as a nurse practitioner (NP), to schedule a checkup and ensure the health of your breasts.