THE GOOD....

- There are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today.

- Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of all cancer survivors.

- Early detection is key to increasing the chances of surviving breast cancer.

- When combined on a yearly basis at the age of 40 and beyond, mammograms and clinical breast exams miss less than 5% of breast cancers!

THE BAD...

- The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female and getting older.

- Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.

- A woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds.

- Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women ages 40-59.

- 25% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years old.

- 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors for the disease.

THE UGLY...

No one knows your breast better than you!  No one should know your breast better than you!  You need to be pro-active and know what normal is for you.  Get screened by having a mammogram every year starting at 40 if you are at risk.  Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20 and every year starting at age 40.  This is not do as I say and not as I do.  After my friend was diagnosed I went to my doctor and we scheduled a mammogram.  Yes, I went in and had my boob smashed like a pancake!  It's quick, easy and lifesaving!!!