In anticipation of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, we covered breast health information and spotlighted many of the companies that are donating their time, talent, and treasure this month to various breast cancer charities in the September issue. However, I believe this is such an important topic that I had to address it here in my letter again this month. I cannot think of my family and friends without thinking of the women I know who have battled this disease and those who are in the midst of their battle. Based on the statistics, I am certain that is true of most of us.
According to The Key Statistics About Breast Cancer on www.cancer.org. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is a little less than 1 in 8 or 12 percent. The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for breast cancer in the United States are for 2010:
- About 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women
- About 54,010 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
- About 39,840 women will die from breast cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 35 or approximately 3 percent. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. At this time there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. (This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.)
Those are some impressive facts. But of all that information, what stands out the most to me is the sentence stating that the decreases are due in part to increased awareness. There are hundreds of holidays and causes with awareness days, weeks, and months; but somehow Breast Cancer Awareness is among one of the most highly recognized and it is making a difference. The blood, sweat, and tears shed at each of the walks or runs are paying off. The pink products that are designed as a part of this campaign are working. Every pink ribbon, pink balloon, or pink product purchase you make in the name of this cause has a cumulative priceless value.
Together, with one united goal we can and we are making a difference! Even as I am writing, I continue to receive e-mails from companies and spas that are making this cause a priority. I commend each of you for your efforts and your dedication. With this much continued support; I hope and I know all of you do as well, that one day we will have made the ultimate difference and a cure will be found.
There are a few more causes that I would like to bring to your attention this month. October is also Women’s Small Business and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the month of October we also pay special attention to National Massage Week and National Business Women’s Week during October 18-24. Lastly, World Psoriasis Day is commemorated on October 29 this year. In honor of World Psoriasis Day we have included information about some new study results that have recently been released in the Scope This section on page 25 and this month’s Ten Things About…is on psoriasis.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a day, a week, or a month designated for most everything you can think of and then more. It would be a full time job to give your attention to each and every cause. So choose one or two that are close to your heart and continue making a difference.
Finally, to all the women who have battled and to those who are still fighting the fight; it is my greatest
wish that in your moments of celebration you feel us cheering alongside you and in your moments of weakness and despair, our strength will be abundant enough to see you through.
All my best,
Saundra
