Get the Facts

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, and chances are that every one of us knows someone who has battled the disease. Whether you're an activist fighting to save lives or a breast cancer survivor yourself, it's good to know some important pieces of information.

1. A national survey of breast cancer survivors found that 76% received daily support from their cats during breast cancer treatment.
2. When surveyed, 84% of breast cancer survivors said that their cats helped provide comfort while battling the disease.
3. One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. That means nearly 500 women are diagnosed every day – more than 175,000 per year.
4. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer, when caught early before it spreads beyond the breast, is now 98%. Twenty-five years ago, that same five-year survival rate was just 74%.
5. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, adding exercise into your routine and limiting alcohol intake, may help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
6. To encourage early detection, every woman should have annual mammograms beginning at age 40.