Friday, September 26, 2008

A Public Service Announcement

My sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer today. She will likely undergo a mastectomy. Almost 11 months ago, I found a lump in one of my breasts. It was a tense and fear frought week before I was told that it was a benign cyst.

Ladies, get your mammograms annually and do your self-exams monthly. Remind your female friends and relatives to do the same.

In 2004 (the most recent year numbers are available),
186,772 women and 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer*†
40,954 women and 362 men died from breast cancer*†

†Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 2004 Incidence and Mortality. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2007.

*Note: Incidence counts cover approximately 98% of the U.S. population and death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts.
Top 10 Causes of Death for Women in the United States‡

Breast cancer is the sixth leading cause of death in women of all ages. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

My SIL has a positive attitude and an iron will. I feel certain that she will beat this thing, but the next few months will probably be the hardest of her life.

2 comments:

Kitt said...

Oh dear. Courage and strength to your sister.

Cancer sucks. As does the fear of it.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that you life has been touched by cancer. It's amazing as we grow older how many more people we know that have cancer. My mother is battling cancer at the moment. My mother's attitude toward cancer really changed when she read this book Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin. It's very much on natural foods and what foods feed cancer. Blessing on your family and your SIL's family.

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