One out of eight—that’s the number of women in the U.S. who will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2017 alone, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, along with 63,410 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, according to Susan G. Komen.
Susan G. Komen also estimates there will be 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men this year. These are staggering numbers that require attention and action.
In our fight for the health of every person in every community, United Way is raising awareness of this disease and increasing access to health care for those in need. Every October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we offer hope and help where it is needed the most. In Midland, Michigan, United Way of Midland County offers “Healthy Hints” classes to educate men and women about the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer. And in larger cities like Indianapolis, United Way of Central Indiana is reducing the physical, emotional and financial burdens of cancer through partnerships with local cancer organizations. And then there's United Way of Southeast Louisiana, who worked to successfully create the strongest breast reconstruction insurance coverage bill in the nation.
From sponsored walks in Maryland’s Washington and Frederick Counties—where more than 1,000 people walk five miles to raise funds for free early detection and after-diagnosis support programs—to luncheons with health practitioners in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United Ways across the nation are offering much-needed support and solutions. What’s more, services like 2-1-1 are connecting people to cancer services nationwide, ensuring they get the quality health care they need. These are just a few of the ways United Way is galvanizing communities to fight cancer together.
Bringing breast cancer awareness and access to quality care to the forefront is a collective effort, and one that United Way has embraced for years. We are proud to stand on the frontlines of the cancer battle and fight for the health of everyone, everywhere. This October, every October, we fight.