Look at any woman’s health website, women’s magazine and many food packages and you will probably see the famous pink ribbon that represents breast cancer. Jewelry, car magnets, t-shirts and hundreds of other products carry the pink ribbon of support. While people are seeing the ribbon, are they really aware of just how many women deal with breast cancer every year?

Mammograms are the best defense in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection and early treatment greatly increase the odds of survival. Studies show that 98% of women with early stage breast cancer are alive at five years after diagnosis. But little is said about what happens after the five year mark. More recent studies show that an estimated 20% to 30% of women will have a recurrence of their disease.  Many of those will die from the disease.

While women from any race can and do get breast cancer, white women have the highest rate of the disease overall. However under age 45, African American women have a higher incidence of breast cancer that white women.  African American and Hispanic women tend to be diagnosed with later stages breast cancer more than white women and also have larger tumors. Breast cancer rates are the lowest in Asian American and Pacific Islander women.
This information is not meant to scare you or give you a false sense of security, but to inform you and encourage every woman of any race to schedule a mammogram.  Brevard Medical is there for any woman dealing with this disease and stands ready with everything from blood pressure cuffs to wheelchairs.