Each and every one of you reading this has more than likely known someone affected by breast cancer. The full impact of this disease is something society has yet to fully understand while it sends its ripple effects throughout the many lives that it touches. Here we’re going to discuss some breast cancer facts that everyone should know. It’s important that we all understand the toll this disease takes on all of us – not just the sufferers, but their families and everyday lives as well. Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in every 33 woman in South Africa and it is the most common type of cancer in women of all races. No matter your age, everyone is at risk. Women help build our society and they are the very pillars that keep it together – that is something we should always remember when thinking of this disease.
It has been said that worldwide, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Think about that number for just a minute and remember it the next time you’re in a busy area where there are a lot of women. One of every eight women you see will end up being diagnosed with breast cancer and this directly contributes to the reason why so many people have been touched by this illness. The numbers are so great that almost everyone knows someone who has had or currently has breast cancer. Sadly, you’ll meet more women that have it in your life time as these numbers are simply too big for you not to.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women, accounting for 25% of all cases which means a woman is more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than any other form of cancer. It should be no surprise then that breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in women. The impact that this disease has is almost unthinkable. It’s more than just numbers or statistics. These are real people with families that love them and there is no way to overstate the devastating loss that breast cancer has on families.
The incidence of breast cancer worldwide varies greatly; it is lowest in developing countries and highest in developed countries. The number of cases worldwide has also increased significantly since the 1970s, a development that seems to be directly related to our modern lifestyles. Processed food, heightened stress levels, increased pollution levels, and even the advancement of certain types of medications could all be part of the long list of underlying causes for this modern-day increase.
Hopefully these facts do more than just scare you. They should instill a desire to lessen the impact breast cancer has on our society. The best way to do that is through education and early detection and screening as this is truly the best way to prevent breast cancer from turning into a deadly disease. If detected early on most types of breast cancer can be treated quite successfully and women can continue to live long and prosperous lives given the right set of circumstances and lifestyle changes.
Mammograms and annual screenings are a must and every woman should not only have access to them, but make use of them. There are already plenty of free and affordable initiatives that have been put in place to help women who do not have access to Medical Aid or who cannot afford screening appointments on their own. And due to awareness campaigns that deal with the subject of breast cancer specifically there is really no excuse for women not to have themselves checked. It is, after all, only in your best interest to do so.
Download and view CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa‘s slideshow on Women’s Health here.
