Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Booklet

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Involve yourself.

Breast Cancer Foundation

Train yourself.

Educate yourself.

Race with us against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen


t u o b A n a s u S en m o K . G

Fulfilling the Promise Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen has invested more than $2.5 billion to fulfill our promise, working to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 30 countries.


Currently, about 70 percenft of women 40 and older receive regular mammograms, the single most effective screening tool to find breast cancer early. Since 1990, early detection and effective treatment have resulted in a 34 percent decline in breast cancer mortality in the U.S.

In 1980, the 5-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (cancer confined to the breast) was about 74 percent. Today, that number is 99 percent.

More research The federal government now devotes more than $850 million each year to breast cancer research, treatment and prevention (compared to $30 million in 1982).

More survivors Currently, there are about 3 million breast cancers survivors, the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S.

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More early detection and effective treatment

More hope

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Since 1982, Komen has played a critical role in every major advance in the fight against breast cancer – transforming how the world talks about and treats this disease and helping to turn millions of breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors. We are proud of our contribution to some real victories:

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Progress in the Fight Against Breast Cancer


t u r o e b c n A a C t s a e r B Every day, cells in your body divide, grow and die. Most of the time cells divide and grow in an orderly manner. But sometimes cells grow out of control. This kind of growth of cells forms a mass or lump called a tumor. Tumors are either benign or malignant.

Benigntumors

[bee-NINE] Benign tumors are not cancerous. The cells of a benign tumor do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. When these tumors are removed, most of the time they do not come back.

Malignant tumors [ma-LIG-nant]

Malignant tumors are cancerous. These tumor cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor that develops in the breast is called breast cancer.


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The most common risk factors for breast cancer are being female and getting older. Most women who get breast cancer have no other known risk factors. men can get breast cancer? About one percent of breast cancers in the U.S. occur in men.

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All women are at risk.

Educate yourself.

Am I at risk for breast cancer?


S P re v t a r t ent io Your best defense

The best way to find breast cancer early is to get screened. Talk with your health care provider about which screening tests are right for you. A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast. It is the best screening tool used today to find breast cancer early. A mammogram can find cancer before a lump can be felt. Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you are younger than 40 with a family history of breast

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cancer or other concerns, talk with your health care provider about what screening tests are right for you. A clinical breast exam is done by a health care provider who checks your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps or changes. Women should have this test at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at age 40. Many women have a clinical breast exam when they get their Pap test.


breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40.

Cells can grow out of control before any symptoms of the disease appear. That is why breast cancer screening to find early changes is so important. If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a greater chance of survival. Women 40 years and older should have a mammogram every year. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss with your doctor your personal risk, including when to start getting mammograms, or other tests, and how often to have them. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40.

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Women should have a clinical

Train yourself.

Are you 20 or Older?


Lower Your Risk The causes of breast cancer are not fully known, although there are steps you can take that may reduce your risk.

1. Maintain a healthy weight 2. Add exercise to your routine 3. Limit alcohol intake 4. Limit postmenopausal hormones 5. Breastfeed, if you can


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t e G d e v l o Inv You may be a runner. A volunteer. Or an activist. But however you choose to get involved, just know that everything you do makes a difference. After all, without the support of people like you, we know 10 million people could die of breast cancer in the next 25 years. Susan G. Komen for the Cure strives to raise funds and educate people in the battle against breast cancer through global events and legislative actions each year. Breast cancer is still killing and impacting far too many of our loved ones. So, how will you get involved?


To t a l S p e n d i n g s

Donate Online Donate by Text Become a Advocate Volunteering at Komen Particpate in Fundraising Event

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Susan G. Komen

Breast Cancer Foundation


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