Twenty-seven years after health advocates named October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer continues to take a heavy toll on American women. In 2010, reports stated that nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Additionally, about 39,840 women were expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer, a number that has decreased since 1990. This decrease is attributed to treatment advancements, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
Treatment Advancements and Early Detection
Millions of women are surviving breast cancer today thanks to recent improvements in treatment. In the past, there were only one or two treatment options, but today there is an overwhelming menu of treatment alternatives to fit each individual patient. Current methods of treatment include surgery (mastectomy and lumpectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. Even with recent treatment improvements, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.
Early detection is crucial in the treatment of breast cancer. A breast cancer mass that isn’t found until women experience symptoms tends to be larger and is more likely to have already spread beyond the breast. However, if breast cancer is found during screening exams, it is more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast. According to The American Cancer Society (ACS), the size of the mass and how far it has spread are leading factors in predicting the prognosis (outlook) for a woman with this disease.
If you or a loved one is coping with the daily stresses, challenges, physical, and emotional effects of cancer, Maxim Healthcare Services can help. If you feel that receiving care in your home is right for you or your loved one, please visit our Web site for more information about Maxim’s home healthcare services, or call your local office to learn more.
Increased Awareness
The ACS—a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization—is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. One way the ACS is fighting cancer is through their annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Each year ACS works with local communities to celebrate individuals who have battled breast cancer, educate people about ways to reduce their risk, and empower communities to join the fight.
On Sunday, October 16 Maxim Healthcare Services’ headquarters and local office staff will unite with their community and join the ACS in the fight against breast cancer at the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Baltimore walk. This will be Maxim’s third consecutive year partnering with ACS to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Last year, Maxim raised $16,000 through donations for the ACS. If you’re interested in joining Maxim in the fight against breast cancer, visit our Facebook page, or to find a walk in your local community, visit the Making Strides events page directly.
This information is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.