New information is always being revealed regarding breast cancer. Keeping up to date, by being informed of recent statistics is one more way to wage war in this battle. Every new study, medication, and survivors testimonies should encourage us all.
It is estimated that in 2013, there will be 234,580 new cases of breast cancer in the United States. 2,240 will be male, and 232,340 female. Estimations for death are 410 men, and 39,620 women. As of September 17th 2013, the 5 year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer, is 100% at stage 1, 97%, for stage 2, 72% at stage 3 and 22% at stage 4.
I have a 75 year old cousin Doris, who was diagnosed in the early stages in 2004. She first had lymph nodes removed , and later a mastectomy. There was no chemotherapy, and Doris said she experienced no pain from either surgery, and was bending and lifting sooner than the doctors expected. She will soon celebrate 9 years of living cancer free. Doris attributes her success to 3 things;
1. Her faith in God. Doris reads and meditates on healing scriptures from the bible daily. She told me that she trusts God above and beyond whatever the doctors tell her.
2. A positive attitude. She says is always optimistic. And did not allow the diagnosis to bring her down.
3. Detecting the cancer early.
A study released in April 2013 indicates that post menopausal women may decrease their risk of breast cancer by exercise. The increased activity increases the metabolism of estrogen in the body. Another recent study indicates that green tea indeed prevents a number of cancers, including breast cancer.
An updated fact sheet, from the National Cancer institute suggests that both green and black tea have ingredients, which act as scavengers, removing cancer causing cells from the body.
Each individual case of breast cancer is just that, individual. My cousin Doris was diagnosed around the same time as another cousin her age. This cousin also had a mastectomy, but later died. Doris testimony, should give hope that there are breast caner survivors who are living long past the 5 year mark. And that not every women needs chemo, or deals with excessive pain.
The results of a survey done by ABC news was released on October 1st 2013. It indicated that even though more women are surviving breast cancer, there is still much confusion surrounding this disease. Questions abound regarding screening, prevention and treatment.
