LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the most common cancer among American women.

In 2021 alone, an estimated more than 280,000 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. as well as 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Approximately 30 percent of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the five year relative survival rate is 99 percent.

The majority of deaths occur in low- and middle-income families, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages. This is mostly due to a lack of awareness on early detection and potential barriers to access certain health services.

The American Cancer Society’s recommendations for early detection of breast cancer for women of average risk include:

  • Ages 40-44: Women should have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
  • Ages 45-54: Women should get a mammogram every year.
  • Women age 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue annual mammograms.

For more information on breast cancer early detection, risk factors, treatment, recovery or free patient support, call the American Cancer Society anytime at 800-227-2345 or visit HERE.

For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 10/04/2021- 6AM)