Breast Cancer Awareness

Since 1985 Americans have been recognizing October as National Break Cancer Awareness Month. Now we see pink ribbons and gear everywhere in October, at NFL games, awards shows and neighborhood events. Communities across the nation hold events to unite in the education, prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer. So what progress has been made?

Looking Good, with Hope for Even Better

There's hopeful news about breast cancer. Death rates from female breast cancer dropped 39% from 1989 to 2015. However, in recent years incidence rates for breast cancer diagnosis have held mostly steady, and have increased slightly in African American women (+.3% per year).¹

While survival rates are improving, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The 2018 estimates show:

• About 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women¹
• About 63,960 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer)¹
• About 40,920 women will die from breast cancer¹

Breast Cancer Awareness: 1 in 8 women are likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime.⁴

Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Chances are that in your lifetime, you will know someone affected by breast cancer. Why not celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by making an effort to protect yourself and loved ones? Assess your diet and exercise, and make changes where necessary. Encourage female friends and family to perform preventive breast cancer measures such as self exams and mammograms. Look for other signs and symptoms, and be aware of family history.^2,3

You might also consider protecting loved ones in the event something should happen to you. If you are considering a Term Life Insurance policy, take the next step and contact an agent for a free quote. If you already have a policy, set aside a few minutes to review your policy with an agent, to make sure your coverage is adequate -- and that you are saving as much money as possible. And remember, although breast cancer is most often associated with women, men can and do suffer as well. It's important that everyone in the family be adequately covered.

Preventive health measures, together with protecting your loved ones financially, can help to ensure a happy tomorrow. To learn more, contact AIG Direct.

Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Find Out Fast: Early Detection Remains the Best Protection

The best way to survive breast cancer is to catch it early. You can create your own Early Detection Plan on the National Breast Cancer website. Visit: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/nbcf-programs/breast-cancer-edp

There are many programs that offer low cost or no-cost screenings. Here are three (listed alphabetically).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Telephone: 1-800-232-4636

National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Cancer Information Services
Telephone: 1-800-4-CANCER

Susan G. Komen
http://ww5.komen.org
Telephone: 1-877-GO KOMEN

Small preventive steps can make a big difference in protecting your health...and your life. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to assess your lifestyle and make changes. And if you want to protect your loved ones with Term Life Insurance, or want to review your coverage, why not follow through on that right now? Our agents are knowledgeable and ready to help.