The Big C

I recently got an email that had some startling facts about breast cancer in it.  I will share some of those facts with you.

One in eight women (about 12 %) will develop breast cancer.  Look around and think about that one.  Neighbors, co-workers, fellow students.  Not a very happy thought in my mind.  There are roughly 230,500 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed every year.    On average, 112 women die of breast cancer every day.  That's one every 15 minutes. And about 40,000 a year.  It is the second biggest cancer killer among women, only behind lung cancer.  Eighty five per cent of women who get breast cancer have no family history of  the disease, but if you have two close relatives with it (mother, sister, daughter), your chances double. Smoking increases your risk. So does age.  Most women who die from breast cancer are over 40.  Exersise helps. White women have the highest risk.  Men can also get breast cancer, but nowhere near as readily.

Let's face it, all cancer is bad.  Breast cancer gets more attention from the media, recieves more resources for treatment and research, and has the attention of politicians more than other cancers, all probably because everyone probably knows someone, or knows someone who knows someone who is affeced.  Breast cancer can have a terrible psycologocial effect on women--and their families.  I must have heard all the jokes by now, and I don't think this is a funny issue.  Men have to be supportive of women that have this disease.  Women, I'm sure you have all heard (or will) all the talk about self exams, mammograms and what not.  Please be vigilent with these. Survival rate is very good with early detection.

I know that there are quite a few cancer fundraisers coming up, different race for the cures and what not.  I don't care if your irritated with Komen or not.  If you can find a way to help with cancer research please do it.  Hopefully all of us will be better off in the long run.