Breast cancer treatable if diagnosed early
{ Posted on May 30 2006 by hans }
- Breast cancer is treatable with a good survival rate if diagnosed early. However, despite nationwide advocacies on breast cancer awareness, it is alarming that a majority of patients diagnosed to be in the late stages of the disease are those who cannot afford and sustain the cost of treatment.
- 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die every year. One out of eight women either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.
- The five-year survival rate exceeds 95% if detected early. 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.
- A complete early detection plan includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition. Women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years was recommended by the National Cancer Institute and U.S Department of Health and Human Services
- Because breast cancer carries a long a mixed bag of uncertainties and fears, oftentimes, women are overwhelmed into inaction and that can be fatal.