Early detection saves lives! Komen resources include their National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline answered by trained, caring volunteers who can provide answers, local resources and moral support:

1 877 GO KOMEN®

Susan G. Komen for the Cure also created http://www.komen.org/ a site that has everything from the ABCs of Breast Cancer to an online Breast Self-Examination tool that will walk you through step-by-step the proper way to administer a breast self-exam.

2009 Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics

• The most proven and significant risk factors for getting breast cancer are being female and getting older.
• An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2009.
• An estimated 40,170 women and 440 men will die of this disease.
• Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths among women.
• A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, and a woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S.
• The five-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer (cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes or other locations outside the breast) has increased from 74 percent in 1982 to 98 percent in 2009.
• There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today, the largest group of cancer survivors in the country.
• Recent studies suggest that many women are not following recommended guidelines for mammography screening by having their first screening later than recommended, not having one at recommended intervals or not receiving follow-up of positive screening results.  This may lead to more advanced tumor size and stage at diagnosis.

Komen can help you learn more about breast cancer and preventive measures through the most up-to-date education materials:

• Breast Self-Awareness - shower card in English and Spanish
• Breast Health Basics - general informational sheet in English and Spanish
• Mammography: A Picture Can Save a Life - informational card in English and Spanish
• Breast Health, What Every Woman Should Know in English and Spanish
• Breast Health, Learn the Facts in English and Spanish

If you want to participate in our education efforts or if you are in need of educational materials, call the Komen Tulsa Affiliate office at (918) 744-5099 or e-mail us at education@komentulsa.org.