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Breast Cancer Community Resources Essay

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Breast cancer is the predominant form of cancer diagnosed in America women, second only to skin cancer and the primary cause of cancer deaths, surpassed only by lung cancer. Approximations suggest that one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during the course of their life (American Cancer Society, 2013). As with any disease, a diagnosis of breast cancer can be tremendously challenging and freighting experience not only during the time of treatment and post treatment, but also as a survivor of the disease. Encouragement, reassurance, and support are crucial components in managing, coping, surviving, and living with breast cancer.

Support can be initiated through national organizations such …show more content…

The incidence rate during the measurement period of 2006-2012 for Maricopa County came in at 117.7 cases per 100,000 females (Arizona Health Matters, 2014). Early detection is especially important allowing for treatment to begin at the earliest stage of breast cancer. In the fight against breast cancer, self-examination and mammograms are two important tools as it relates to early detection.

Given the significant importance of the mammogram only 69.5 (2012) percent of Arizonan women (state level) reported having had a mammogram in the past two years. In Maricopa County the mammogram history yields better results with an average of 74.3 (2010) women reporting having had a mammogram in the last two years (Arizona Health Matters, 2014). Although these figures seem relatively low they are higher than the national average of 67.1 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Maricopa County has available an extensive assortment of programs and financial resources, which support and encourage all women to partake in regularly scheduled mammograms regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to these resources, breast cancer patients residing in Maricopa County have access to four nationally ranked medical facilities (BEST) such as Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale

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