October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! More than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S. with most being women over 50, but 10 percent are younger than 45. There are many different symptoms of breast cancer and many women report no symptoms at all. This is why early detection is so important!

Unfortunately breast cancer can’t be prevented, but you can take certain steps to help detect it early. Did you know when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100 percent? Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Learn how to do a self-breast exam here.

Are you a survivor of breast cancer or have been diagnosed with it? HealthStreet is here for you! Our Cancer Connections group that meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12pm to 1 pm. Learn more here.

Several studies are in progress at UF to learn better ways to treat breast cancer.  Contact Beatrice Dorestil at (352)294-4880 or email kerlande24@ufl.edu about studies or other resources.