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According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged or older women. In fact, the median age at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62. Though it’s possible for women far younger than 62 to be diagnosed with breast cancer, the ACS reports that only a very small number of women younger than 45 are diagnosed with the disease each year. Despite the average age of onset being over 60, breast cancer is highly treatable. The World Health Organization notes that breast cancer treatments routinely achieve survival probabilities of 90 percent or higher, however, those probabilities decline considerably in lower-income countries where access to screening and other medical services is limited. For example, the WHO notes that five-year survival rates for breast cancer routinely surpass 90 percent in high-income countries like the United States and Canada, however, those rates are as low as 40 percent in South Africa, where early detection of the disease is less likely than it is in wealthier nations.

Various organizations urge women to familiarize themselves with their breasts and conduct somewhat routine self-exams so they can uncover any lumps or other issues that may warrant further examination by a physician.

Many women are concerned about the potential for developing breast cancer in their lifetimes. Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the United States and Canada. Despite that prevalence, there are ways for women to reduce their risk for breast cancer.

diagnosis with your employer It’s not uncommon for people to experience a range of emotions upon being diagnosed with cancer. Fear, sadness and even confusion are just a few of the feelings people may experience after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

? Breast cancer occurs when there is rapid growth of mutated (cancerous) cells in the tissues of the breasts, and potentially in the surrounding skin and lymph nodes. Various factors contribute to the development of cancer, including genetics, gender, environmental exposure to certain materials, and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.

No woman is immune to breast cancer. However, some women with extensive family histories of the disease may wonder if they’re more vulnerable to breast cancer than those without such a link. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly three percent of breast cancers result from inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are passed on in families. Inherited mutations in other genes also can cause breast cancer (as well as ovarian cancer), but BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most commonly affected genes, and it’s not just women who can inherit these mutations. Though men account for only a small percentage of breast cancer patients, they can get the disease, and those who inherit mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are more likely to develop breast cancer than other men. The CDC notes that not everyone who inherits a BRCA1, BRCA2 or other mutation will develop breast cancer, and women with such mutations can take steps to help lower their risk for the disease. Doctors can discuss those steps with women, but they may include genetic counseling and testing. The CDC also notes that, even in instances when counseling and testing is not ultimately recommended by a physician, women should consider talking to their doctors about starting mammography screening in their 40s. That’s earlier than some organizations recommend, though physicians may feel it’s worth it depending on the individual.

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women across the globe. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, there were more than 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women in 2020. Such figures are sobering, but it’s important to recognize that breast cancer survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades, providing hope to the millions of women who may be diagnosed with the disease in the years to come.

illions of women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Such a diagnosis is never welcome, but women should know that survival rates have improved dramatically in recent decades.

1937-2022 Funeral services for Bettie Mae Redd Taylor, 85, were held Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Hiett’s Ly-Brand Funeral Home in Edgewood. Visitation was held Wednesday, October 5, 2022.