October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each October we remind you to get your mammogram. Okay, so maybe it is not you who needs reminding. For the women in your life and a few men, it’s important to take action on getting that mammogram.

We thought you would appreciate some statistics on breast cancer.

2020 Breast Cancer Statistics

• In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, for which the 5-year survival is 99%.
• It is estimated that in this year, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
• 81% of breast cancer diagnosis in the United States are invasive, for which the 5-year survival rate is 91%.
• It’s not just women who are impacted by breast cancer. An estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 in the U.S. and approximately 520 will die.

Early Detection

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to get your annual mammogram. Period. Do it this month. Make your appointment today.

Need some additional ideas for potentially discovering cancer include:

The American Cancer Institute has a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT).  The tool is based on a statistical model known as the Gail Model, named after Dr. Mitchell Gail, Senior Investigator in the Biostatistics Branch of the NCI Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics.

The tool uses a woman’s own personal information to estimate risk of developing invasive breast cancer over specific periods of time.  We invite you to take the test by clicking here, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.

Symptoms

• Lump or mass in the breast
• Lump or mass in the armpit
• Skin redness
• Dimpling or puckering on the breast
• Scaliness on nipple (sometimes extending to the areola)
• Discharge from the nipple
• Nipple changes, including the nipple turning inward, pulling to one side or changing direction
• Ulcer on the breast or nipple (sometimes extending to the areola)
• Thickening of the skin, resulting in an orange-peel texture
• Swelling

These symptoms do not always mean you have breast cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may also signal other health problems.

Personal Note: Gentlemen, please take a moment to review the symptoms above. Yes, breast cancer in men is rare and my father was a rare man - with breast cancer. He was diagnosed early and lived well for another 12 years.

Dean and Draper

We will remind you annually about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We like to think that we just may make a difference on one of our reader’s lives with this information.

When you have questions about your insurance, please call us. We have thoughtful answers for you.

Dean & Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 36 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients.  ContactUs/

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Sources: Cancer.com, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, American Cancer Center, National Breast Cancer Foundation