October is breast cancer awareness month.  Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death among American women. . .it will cause more than 40,000 deaths this year alone.  Women are justifiably afraid of this disease, even though great strides have been made in breast cancer research, early detection, treatment. . .and even cures. 

The Susan Komen Foundation,  can be given tremendous credit for making this happen.  This month, the Komen Foundation sponsors the Race for the Cure in more than 100 cities to raise breast cancer awareness and research funding.  Most of the money raised stays in the communities that raised it to provide funding for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in under-served areas. 

What do you need to know about breast cancer?  The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are simply being female and getting older. Most women with breast cancer have no known family history or other risk factors. In fact, fewer than one in 10 breast cancers are due to heredity or genetic factors.  For more information, click here.

Created: 10/2/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.