At the Boca Raton Airport, we strive to be more than just a general aviation facility. Our goal is to be a true community partner, improving the wellbeing of all of our neighbors.

As such, being that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, lets look at a few facts about the disease and what you can do to give yourself or your loved ones the best chance of beating it should one of you ever be diagnosed.

Quick Facts About Breast Cancer

According to BreastCancer.org, there will be an estimated 333,600 new cases of breast cancer in the U.S. this year1. In fact, nearly one in eight (about 12%) of U.S. women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at some point in her life.

While these statistics are alarming, there is a 98% survival rate if breast cancer is discovered during its early stages. That’s why it’s important to regularly visit the doctor, perform monthly self-exams, and to get a mammogram as often as your doctor recommends.

Now, let’s look at three ways to improve your odds against breast cancer.

3 Ways to Improve Your Odds Against Breast Cancer

  1. Get a Mammogram: Your age and risk of breast cancer will determine how often you should get a mammogram, but if you’re 40 or older or have a family history of breast cancer, then you’re doctor may recommend a mammogram in order to detect cancer even if clinical signs are not yet noticeable.2

Click here to find mammography locations near you.

  1. Speak to a Counselor: If you or a loved one are diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be beneficial to speak to a professional counselor who can help you navigate the social and psychological factors of the disease.

Click here to learn more about cancer counseling services and for information on how to find a counselor in your area.

  1. Take the Breast Cancer Quiz: The more you know about breast cancer, the better chance you have to beat it.

Click here and take this 6-question quiz from the American Cancer Society to test your knowledge about common breast cancer beliefs.

To learn more about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, click here.

FOOTNOTES

1 This statistic is a combination of 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women, 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer in women, and 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men. https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics

2 This information is from the Mayo Clinic, When to begin screening mammography and Why it’s done. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/about/pac-20384806