How common is breast cancer?

An important women’s health issue that’s often overlooked is breast cancer. Breast cancer happens to be one of the most common diseases amongst women. In fact, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States.

Are women neglecting their health? 

Women have all sorts of titles. As well as their own identities, many women also encompass lots of additional titles: from ‘MOOOOM!” to wife, friend, daughter, sister, teacher, caregiver and so on. But there’s one title so many lack: “self-care advocate.” As women, we find ourselves as the “do-it-alls” and forget how valuable our health is. 

Taking care of your health may sound like a priority, but statistically, women are known for putting themselves last, especially moms. With work, a spouse, children, pets, and a household, women have a lot to look after. They often find themselves in the role of a caregiver, requiring them to put others before themselves. 

Ladies, it’s time to start taking care of yourself too! Check out how common is breast cancer and find out more about symptopms and diagnosis.

The importance of breast cancer prevention – delayed diagnosis

According to the US National Library of Medicine, there are two types of delays in breast cancer detection. The first is a patient delay in seeking medical attention after self-detecting symptoms of breast cancer. The second is system delay within the healthcare system (including: scheduling initial appointments, diagnostic tests, a proper diagnosis, treatment plan, etc.) Both delays can be detrimental to women’s health. To ensure proper and timely care, the solution lies within you—you must be proactive with your own well-being.

According to women’s health advocate statistics, Katilin Christine, early detection screening can reduce a woman’s risk of cancer by up to 70%. Staggeringly, Kaitlin’s years of research into the field has found that 4 out of 5 women are at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

How common is breast cancer in women? Symptoms

If you are experiencing any discomfort or notice changes in the size, shape or appearance of your breasts, you may want to consult with your doctor about your symptoms. For the complete list of breast cancer symptoms and more information, you can visit Cancer.org. 

What you can do at home 

The first step to prevention is performing at-home breast exams. Healthcare experts advise women to regularly check their bodies to understand what is considered healthy and normal for them. Along with monthly breast self- exams, women should visit their healthcare provider for regular examinations every 1-2 years. 

Exploring telemedicine – the next steps for women’s health 

Even as the nation’s healthcare workforce combats the spread and lethality of COVID-19, a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects that the United States will face a shortage between 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033. Telemedicine can help mitigate the physician shortage and can be a trusted resource for women who need access to professional guidance.

At WellReceived we offer Teleport video appointments for secure and reliable doctor-patient interaction. Telemedicine is the practice of remote doctor-patient care. You can connect with your doctor face-to-face without having to leave your house. With telehealth on the rise, we want to make telemedicine accessible for all. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have questions about breast cancer, a virtual appointment with your healthcare provider is the first step. During your initial video appointment, you can discuss your symptoms and the severity of the signs before you schedule an in-peron breast exam with your physician. With video appointments, you and your doctor can come up with an actionable plan to maintain for next steps.

Check out also why customer service is important in healthare. 

The takeaway: Take care of you

Time and time again, we’ve seen cancer take over the lives of millions of women. All of this information about how common is breast cancer in women can be overwhelming, but it is important to learn and educate yourself about your body. Understanding and establishing resources for breast health is just the first step. During these unprecedented times, it’s hard to find balance between everything in life, but the one thing that should always be taken care of is you!