Breast cancer

“ Each year more than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer, and nearly one-half that many die of the disease. We face an awesome challenge in controlling cancer-one that can be met only through research and the implementation of research results.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women and epitomizes the challenge of our mission to protect and improve women's health. Breast cancer is widely prevalent and takes a tragically large toll on women's lives. Yet there are realistic prospects for its eventual prevention and cure. ”

“ In this decade, an estimated 2 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer or cervical cancer, with more than 500,000 of these women dying as a result. Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and colon are also on the rise among women in this country.
We are making progress, however. For example, from 1989 to 1992, the numbers of women dying from breast cancer actually declined-the largest short-term decrease since 1950. With the advances in treatment upon early detection, screening mammography has never been more important. ”

“ The threat of breast cancer touches everyone. All women are at risk for breast cancer, including those with no family history of the disease. This year alone, 182,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer ”

“ Patients with a cancer just beginning will often, or even generally, seem to be 35in excellent health. It is indeed remarkable to observe how commonly patients with beginning breast cancer will seem to be in a splendid condition of health. They are ruddy and blooming in appearance, and when the lump is first discovered it is hard indeed to believe that if the erroneous life processes which caused the cancerous lesion to develop are not checked, the patient will before long succumb to the direful disease. ”

“ Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of all deaths among women ages 40 to 55. In 1996, a woman will die from breast cancer every 12 minutes, and 184,300 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease. ”

“ If we are to protect our citizens and honor the memories of the brave women who, like my mother, lost their lives to breast cancer, we must rededicate ourselves to the final eradication of the illness. Although there is no known cure, early detection and advances in medical technology remain our best weapons. By doing routine self-examinations, undergoing regular mammograms, and keeping a schedule of preventive medical care, women can detect breast tumors early and dramatically reduce the spread of cancer. ”

“ Despite all we have learned about prevention, despite all of the advances that have been made in its diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer continues to kill thousands of American women each year. Stopping this tragic loss of life will require continued research as well as the sustained cooperation of scientists, health care professionals, educators, insurance providers, individual women, and other concerned Americans. ”

“ But more than 40,000 women will die from breast and cervical cancer this year. Many are women whose cancer was detected or treated too late because they had no health insurance and no hope of paying for treatment. In fact, older women with breast cancer are 40 percent more likely to die from the disease if they're uninsured. ”

“ Breast cancer prevention research is playing an increasingly important role in our strategy to overcome this disease. Although we still have much to learn about what causes breast cancer, we do know that certain conditions or behaviors substantially increase a woman's risk of developing this disease. Some risks can be avoided, and researchers hope that others can be minimized. ”

“ And tonight, in keeping with an annual tradition to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the North Portico of the White House, as well as the Vice President’s residence at the Naval Observatory, are lit pink to honor those battling the disease, those we’ve lost, their families, and the survivors who are often the first to remind us that survival is not only possible, but highly probable for most women when the disease is detected early and addressed with proper care. ”

“ Clyde, as if that clinched the case against the patient.
“Just about the most favorable locality.”
“I thought it was the worst.”
“Where on earth do intelligent women collect their superstitions about cancer?” cried Dr. Strong. “Carcinoma of the breast is the commonest form among women, and the easiest to handle. Show me a case in the first stages and, with a good surgical hospital at hand, I’d almost guarantee recovery. It’s simply a question of removing the entire breast, and sometimes the adjacent glands. Ninety per cent of the early cases should get well.” ”

“ During this month, we stand strong for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, and we take a moment to thank our friends and family who tirelessly lend their support, and we pause to reflect on those we have lost to this terrible disease. Our Nation's researchers, innovators, doctors, nurses, public health professionals, and advocates have helped improve the process and possibility of recovery, and together we hope to forge a future free of breast cancer. ”

“ I urge all Americans at risk for breast cancer to use appropriate screenings that can detect it at its initial stages. Until we find a cure, early detection is our most essential tool in fighting this disease. Recent medical successes allow us to say that the war on breast cancer will succeed. ”

“ While the patient is still under the anaesthetic, a microscopical examination of the tissue, which can be made in a few minutes in a well-equipped hospital, will determine whether the growth is malignant. If so, the whole breast is taken off, and the patient, in all probability, saved. If not, sew up the wound, and the subject is none the worse. Much the better, in fact, for the most innocent growth may develop cancer by irritation. Thirty per cent, or more, of breast cancers develop in this way. ”

“ Every woman is different, so it’s important to speak with your health care provider about the breast cancer screening schedule and tools that are most appropriate.
It can, of course, be difficult to face a frightening diagnosis, but regular discussions with our health care providers and an appropriate screening schedule can improve our chances for healthy outcomes. And that goes for all women, because while a family history of the disease can increase your chances of developing breast cancer, the majority of breast cancers occur in women without a family history. ”