Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Locally, breast cancer is the leading cause of deaths due to cancer in Jamaican women, with the age standardised incidence rate at 43.1 per 100,000 women, and the age standardised mortality rate at 18.3 per 100,000. Approximately 300 women die annually from breast cancer.
As we recognise the month, we understand our role in helping to spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening and support, including the importance of talking confidently about breast health, and outlining the resources available to help every woman, and make sure she has access to the screenings, support, and care she deserves.
This October, All Woman recognises Breast Cancer Awareness Month with features on survivors, and what life has been like after diagnosis, especially how their families have been coping and how their lifestyles have changed. We will also look at the economic side of cancer care — the cost for treatment and subsequent therapies, as well as treatment options.
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Together we can survive – Best friends share their breast cancer journey