Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized, but awareness and early detection is necessary all year, all the time, to save lives.

While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps necessary to detect the disease in its early stages.  Think of this: why not invest a little bit of time beforehand, rather than having to pay with your life after the fact?  Although this disease is not 100% preventable, it is best treated when detected early.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Breast Cancer 

• Breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.
• The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years.

• Through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, CDC helps those with low incomes who do not have adequate insurance gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services.

The link to the CDCs Breast Cancer site not only provides current information, but videos and podcasts as well to become more informed. 

Lower your risk of breast cancer by doing the following:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Being physically active
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
Asking your doctor about the risks of hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, and Breastfeeding if possible.

Signs and symptoms of detecting breast cancer: 

Know how your breasts feel normally.  If you notice any change, such as a lump or swelling in your breast or arm pit, skin irritation or dimpling, contact your doctor. 

Although breast lumps are common and many are non-cancerous, there are several breast lump warning signs to be aware of.  See your doctor or healthcare provider right away if you notice:

• A new lump, thickening, or swelling of the breast tissue not previously noticed by you or your doctor
• A lump that feels hard to the touch or different from the rest of the breast tissue
• A known lump that begins to grow or change
• A lump that does not go away after menstruation
• A lump that causes pain or discomfort

Early Detection Steps:

New CDC statistics show five-year survival rates for women diagnosed with breast cancer is roughly 91%, however this varies up or down, depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis.

• Breast Self-Awareness 
• Well-Woman Exam
• Breast Exam during wellness exam

Breast Cancer Statistics

In the United States, the estimated number of women who will die from breast cancer in 2024 is 42,250. This is based on the American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2024.

• In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
• About 1% of all breast cancer cases and deaths occur among men. In 2024, an estimated 530 men will die from breast cancer.
• Non-Hispanic Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates, and non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander women have the lowest.
• About 91 out of 100 people are alive 5 years after they've been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 10-year breast cancer relative survival rate is 84%.

Know Your Risk  

If you have family members who have had breast cancer before reaching menopause, tell your doctor, as your own risk of cancer may be higher than average. 

Located right here in Weston, both Broward Health and the Cleveland Clinic Weston offer information, education, and services regarding breast cancer care. 

Visit Broward Health Breast Cancer Care

Visit Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Program