October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, show support, and empower women to take charge of their breast health. Whether you’ve been personally affected by breast cancer or want to stay informed, it’s important to know the facts. Early detection and preventive care can save lives, so let’s dive into what you should know.

The Global Picture of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2020 alone, 2.3 million women were diagnosed, making up nearly 12% of all cancer cases globally. While treatment and early detection have greatly improved survival rates, 685,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer that same year.

Early detection is critical—when caught early, the five-year survival rate is an incredible 99%. This shows just how important it is to be proactive with screenings and health checks.

Understanding the Risk Factors

While breast cancer can happen to anyone, certain factors increase your risk. Knowing these can help you stay one step ahead:

• Age: Most cases are found in women over 50.
• Genetics: Around 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer increases your risk.
• Lifestyle: Obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking are all risk factors.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of HRT after menopause can also raise your risk.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching breast cancer early is key to successful treatment. Regular mammograms, self-exams, and doctor check-ups can make all the difference. In fact, 63% of breast cancer cases are caught early, when the cancer is still localized to the breast, leading to a 99% survival rate.

The American Cancer Society recommends women start getting yearly mammograms at age 40, or earlier if they’re at higher risk. The earlier it’s detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better your chances of beating it.

What You Can Do to Reduce Risk

While some risk factors like age and family history can’t be changed, there are plenty of ways to lower your risk of breast cancer:

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Exercise regularly.
3. Limit alcohol.
4. Avoid smoking.
5. Discuss hormone therapy risks with your doctor.
6. Stay up-to-date on screenings.

Support for Patients and Families

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but there’s a lot of support available. Whether through your healthcare team, family, friends, or breast cancer organizations, no one has to face this journey alone.

Organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Breastcancer.org offer valuable resources, including treatment information, support groups, and updates on ongoing research. Finding the right support network can make all the difference.

Take Action This October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to remind the women in your life about the importance of early detection. Encourage loved ones to schedule their mammograms and stay on top of their health.
By raising awareness, staying informed, and taking proactive steps, we can make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• 2.3 million women were diagnosed globally in 2020.
• 685,000 women died from breast cancer that same year.
• 99% survival rate when breast cancer is detected early and localized.

Take care of yourself, spread awareness, and support those affected by breast cancer this October. Together, we can save lives.

How NickersonPartners Insurance Agency Can Help

At NickersonPartners Insurance Agency, we understand how challenging a breast cancer diagnosis can be—for patients and their families. That’s why we are committed to providing tailored insurance solutions that offer financial protection and peace of mind during difficult times. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive health coverage or critical illness insurance, we’re here to help you find the right plan to support you through any health journey.

This October, as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand with you in the fight against breast cancer. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you and your loved ones.