October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the month serving as an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made regarding breast cancer and the work that still lies ahead. 

Cancer is the #2 cause of death among women with heart disease being the first; breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Last year in Pennsylvania, an estimated 13,370 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; one in eight women are projected to get breast cancer in their lifetime.

That’s why early detection is critical. The American Cancer Society says women have a better than 99% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is detected at its earliest, localized stage, when treatment is typically more effective and less extensive. Screening mammograms can detect breast cancer before you can feel it or before it causes symptoms, leading to earlier treatment and better outcomes; mammograms have been shown to reduce breast cancer death by 22%.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great reminder to take action and talk to your health care provider about breast cancer screening and figure out what’s best for you.

About Author

State Rep. Dane Watro

State representative for Pennsylvania’s 116th Legislative District, covering parts of Luzerne and Schuylkill counties.

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