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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 27 2006, 4:45 PM EDT (current) | wetpaint | |
| Sep 27 2006, 4:44 PM EDT | wetpaint |
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Despite being the second-leading cause of cancer death in women -- lung cancer being number one -- breast cancer, if treated in time, is no longer a death sentence.
Rock singer Melissa Etheridge, pop singer Kylie Minogue, and former First Lady Betty Ford are only a few of the women who fought, or are fighting, battles with breast cancer -- and came out on top. You can, too.
And you can most likely do it without sacrificing your quality of life. With so many new, less-toxic treatment options available to you, you may be able to maintain a regular schedule at work and at home throughout the course of treatment.
Still, this doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Although medical science seems to be getting closer to a cure for breast cancer, it's important to know the causes and risk factors of this disease so you can better protect yourself against it.
Statistics like these highlight how far we've come. The fact that 87% of us survive breast cancer five years after diagnosis is a promising prognosis. It's also crucial to remember that keeping a positive attitude is half the battle.
Many survivors find it comforting to help other women in their fight against breast cancer. It's a way to share what they've learned and create a community of support and hope. Whether you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, knowing all you can about this disease is the first step toward beating it.
And always remember: You may have cancer, but cancer does not have you!
See also
Rock singer Melissa Etheridge, pop singer Kylie Minogue, and former First Lady Betty Ford are only a few of the women who fought, or are fighting, battles with breast cancer -- and came out on top. You can, too.
And you can most likely do it without sacrificing your quality of life. With so many new, less-toxic treatment options available to you, you may be able to maintain a regular schedule at work and at home throughout the course of treatment.
Still, this doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Although medical science seems to be getting closer to a cure for breast cancer, it's important to know the causes and risk factors of this disease so you can better protect yourself against it.
Breast cancer quick facts
- The World Health Organization estimates that there are 1.2 million new cases of breast cancer worldwide each year.
- An estimated 200,000 cases of breast cancer occur in the United States annually.
- The five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is currently 87%.
- Of all racial or ethnic groups, white women are most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, they have the highest survival rate of any group, a fact which is attributed to early detection.
- Breast cancer isn't only for women: there were nearly 1,700 cases of male breast cancer reported in 2005.
Statistics like these highlight how far we've come. The fact that 87% of us survive breast cancer five years after diagnosis is a promising prognosis. It's also crucial to remember that keeping a positive attitude is half the battle.
Many survivors find it comforting to help other women in their fight against breast cancer. It's a way to share what they've learned and create a community of support and hope. Whether you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, knowing all you can about this disease is the first step toward beating it.
And always remember: You may have cancer, but cancer does not have you!
See also
- Breast cancer - Prevalence
- Breast cancer - Prevention
- Breast cancer - Causes and risk factors
- Breast cancer - Detection and diagnosis
- Breast cancer - Treatment options
- Breast cancer - Dealing with the aftermath
- Breast cancer - Prognosis
- Building a support network
- Toni and breast cancer
