We are taking a step back from our usual blog this week and we are going to talk about breast cancer. It’s October so breast cancer awareness is front and center in everyone’s mind. For breast cancer in women, the death rate has decreased by 36 percent between 1989 and 2012. And over the last 30 years, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer has gone up by 21.3 percent, according to the ACS. In 1975, the 5-year survival rate for women was 75.2 percent, but in 2008, it was 90.6 percent. Breast cancer is more survivable than ever thanks to advancements modern medicine. At stage 1, you almost have a 100% 5-year survival rate and 93% at stage 2. Because of these incredible numbers, it is more important than ever to do check yourself for any abnormalities about once a month. Men, this goes for you too. Male breast cancer is a thing. About 2,600 men were estimated to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. That may not be a whole lot, but it still happens so be vigilant.
Every October, there are huge fundraisers across the country to raise money to fight breast cancer. People doning pink show up in droves to donate what they can be it their time or money. Walks are held where these pink clad heroes walk miles to bring awareness to the cause. Don your pink ribbons and march! Because of these efforts, cancer research has been slung forward by many bounds. The funding that raised helped save so many lives. The more people made aware of this cause, the more people you will have to donate to it. With more donations comes more funding for research. With more research…well… hopefully one day there will be a cure.