According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF), in the United States, about 268,600 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. It is also estimated that 41,760 women will die from breast cancer this year. If found and treated early, most women can survive this terrible disease, which is why mammogram screenings are critical. This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so do what you can to spread the word about the importance of mammograms and encourage the women in your life to take the proper steps to detect breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Anyone can develop breast cancer, but there are some factors that can increase a woman’s risk.
Here are some breast cancer risk factors you should be aware of:
- Having 2 to 3 alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of developing breast cancer by 20%
- Obese women are twice as likely to develop breast cancer
- Women who partake in regular physical activity reduce their chances of developing cancer by up to 25%
- Some research indicates that smoking can increase the risk of breast cancer
Although a lot of progress has been made in terms of improved forms of treatment, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Although women of any age can develop breast cancer, it is largely found in women 50 years of age and older. Approximately 10% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are detected in women under the age of 45.
The Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Symptoms are not always apparent for women with breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms are critical.
However, some noticeable symptoms include:
- A lump in the underarm or breast
- Pain in the breast
- Change in the shape or size of the breast
- Nipple discharge, such as blood
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney Who Will Fight for You
Breast cancer is a scary reality for many women. However, these women are fighters and have the strength and courage to face this disease head-on. At Farmer & Klopfer, our personal injury team is committed to fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured and will help you and your family obtain the compensation and justice you deserve. You do not have to fight every battle on your own. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, our compassionate legal team will stand up to the insurance company and serve as your fierce legal advocate. We also believe you should take this time to focus on recovering, which is why we accept cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay us any legal fees until we win your case.
Reach out to our law firm at (301) 265-2220 to schedule a free and confidential case review with one of our attorneys.