October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Why? Because unfortunately, estimates are that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with this disease in her lifetime. Since the Pink Ribbon campaign came into existence, much awareness has been raised about the prevalence of breast cancer; however, there is still a great need to spread the word about the importance of early detection of this disease. In light of this, I wanted to share with you some facts I found on the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year, over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Over 40,000 women die annually from it. You may also be surprised to learn that men are susceptible: each year approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die.
If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.
The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.
Earlier this year, a Gracious Plenty began offering a way for you to elegantly support Breast Cancer Awareness and other awareness campaigns. Our Personalized Sterling Silver Awareness Bracelet is a classic double-link charm bracelet that comes with a single embellishment: a heart-shaped charm that has a ribbon engraved on one side, and the initials or monogram of your choice engraved on the other side. Wear one engraved with the monogram of someone whose fight you wish to honor, whether your own or that of someone close to you. Wear it, or give it, also to express love, courage, and hope for the hundreds of thousands of others among us whose fight we honor as well.
