HEALTH AWARENESS 

 

​

 

 

 

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS!

Knowledge is power. Knowing the facts surrounding breast cancer can help you prioritize your breast health, support a loved one in their breast health journey, or feel prepared when faced with a difficult discussion or diagnosis.

​

1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer. 

​

But there is hope.  When caught in its earliest,

localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is99%.  Advances in early detection and 

treatment methods have  significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.  Awareness of the facts and statistics surrounding breast cancer in the United States is key in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Symptoms

Up to half of all women will experience breast lumps in their lifetime. While finding a breast lump can be concerning, it is important to remember that not all breast lumps are breast cancer. In fact, most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, all breast lumps should be checked immediately by a healthcare provider.

 

About Breast Lumps  A breast lump is a mass, growth, or swelling within the breast tissue. Breast lumps are common, affecting up to 50% of women at some point in their lives.

[1] 60-80% of all breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous).

[2] There are many conditions that may cause benign lumps in the breast. Common Types of Benign (Non-Cancerous) Breast Lumps

​

• Fibroadenoma: The most common type of benign breast lumps that occur primarily in women in their 20s and 30s, but can occur at any age. Fibroadenomas may feel rubbery to the touch and move around freely. They are usually painless, vary in size, and can form anywhere in the breast tissue.

• Fibrocystic breasts: Occurs in women with dense breast tissue and refers to changes in the breasts that naturally occur due to hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. These changes may lead to the breasts feeling lumpy, swollen, and sore right before a woman’s period.

• Breast cyst: A fluid-filled sac that grows within the breast tissue. A breast cyst that forms on the surface of the breast may feel like a grape and be soft in texture. A cyst that forms deeper within the breast may feel like a hardened lump because it is covered by tissue.

• Fat necrosis: A non-cancerous breast lump that may form if the breast has been injured. Breast injury may include a biopsy or surgery. This type of lump forms in the fatty breast tissue of the injured area.

• Lipoma: A slow-growing, fatty lump that forms just under the surface of the skin. Some may weigh only a few grams while others can be large enough to produce a visible bulge. Lipomas are soft to the touch and move around freely when touched.

Simply put, early detection saves lives. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99%. But what is early detection? Early detection means finding breast cancer at an early stage, before it has a chance to spread and is easier to treat.

​