Just because October has ended does not mean we should stop talking about breast cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and second deadliest for women. In the US alone, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed. But the disease can affect men as well; this year it is estimated 2,620 men will be diagnosed.
Women over 50 are at a higher risk of being diagnosed than younger women, but breast cancer can develop at any age.
The effects of the disease are not only physical; it also affects individuals’ mental health. Patients can feel depressed, powerless, angry and stressed when being told their diagnosis. Access to therapy and medical professionals many help people cope with negative emotions.
We are never too young to contribute to breast cancer awareness and research. Offer to help raise money for research, prevention, and treatment by donating to charities. By donating, survival rates increase and more research is able to be conducted. Some trusted charities to donate to are METAvivor, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and National Breast Cancer Foundation. Contribute to breast cancer awareness today!