Nekdoodle® Supports Breast Cancer Awareness in October

Breast cancer, whether directly or indirectly, can affect anyone. According to cancer.org, it is the most common cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer). Statistics indicate that based on current breast

cancer incident rates, experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.

What is the greatest weapon in the arsenal against breast cancer? Earlydetectionplan.org explains that with early detection, the 5 year survival rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 98%. Women who get tested to find breast cancer early have more treatment options. Since early detection is an important part of fighting the battle, Nekdoodle® is joining the October initiative to “Pink Out” and educate as many people as possible about the importance of breast health and early cancer detection.

According to statistics, several factors increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, including inherited changes in certain genes, a personal or family history of breast cancer, menstruation before age 12, menopause after 55, having your first full-term pregnancy after 30, obesity after menopause, and alcohol abuse. Of all the factors, the strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. The risk of developing this disease increases as a woman gets older.

A good survival rate depends on knowing the signs of breast cancer and being aware of the changes in your body. It is important to know your own body and not to hesitate to make an appointment with your physician if you notice any changes or unusual symptoms. It is always better to be safe than sorry! If you are worried about the cost of an appointment due to lack of insurance, the National Mammography Program can help you with resources for detection

and treatment.

If a breast cancer diagnosis is made, remember that, especially in stage 0, 1, and 2, the five year survival rate is 93-100%. That means those diagnosed early have a good chance of living 5 years after their cancer is found, and many are fortunate enough to survive much longer. A team of cancer specialists is able to better indicate their individual survival rate based on the cancer type, stage, and treatment regimen.

Breast cancer can happen to anyone. So this October, let’s all make an effort to support awareness and education of breast cancer to our loved ones. When your favorite sports team is wearing pink socks, text your mom and ask her when she had her last mammogram. If you pass a product with a pink ribbon in the grocery store, call your sister or best friend and remind her to self-exam. And if you’re swimming, bring your pink Nekdoodle® poolside to remind your friends to be breast cancer aware!