CEO Update: Raising Awareness
So many people unfortunately, have had or know someone that has had breast cancer. My mother was diagnosed several years ago and thanks to routine screening, the cancer was caught early, in stage one, and she is now in full remission. It is with this personal experience that I feel even more motivated to continue to raise awareness for the need for routine and timely preventative screening for cancer and treatment.
Breast Cancer is the second most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of death in women. It is so important to know your family history. Many times, it is genetics and history that impacts your risk of getting breast cancer. So, for me, I ensure I conduct monthly self-exams and go yearly for my mammographs.
Screening for those that are at normal risk, meaning a woman has a one in eight chance of getting breast cancer is receiving a mammogram every year starting at age 40. Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and avoiding or limiting alcohol can all reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Mammogram screening within the last two years – Females Aged 40-49:
- Rural: 33.9%
- Urban: 57.9%
- State: 55.1%
Mammogram screening within the last two years – Females Aged 50-74:
- Rural: 63.5%
- Urban: 72.3%
- State: 71.1%
Colorado Vital Statistics Program:
2023 Age Adjusted Female Breast Cancer Mortality Rate:
- Rural: 20 per 100,000 (95% Confidence Interval: 16 to 24)
- State: 18.2 per 100,000 (95% Confidence Interval: 16.8 to 19.6)
- Urban: 18 per 100,000 (95% Confidence Interval: 16.5 to 19.5)
2021 Age Adjusted Female Breast Cancer Incidence Rate:
- Rural: 115 per 100,000 (95% Confidence Interval: 104 to 125)
- State: 133.5 per 100,000 (95% Confidence Interval: 129.5 to 137.5)
- Urban: 136.5 per 100,000 (95% Confidence Interval: 132 to 141)
Don’t forget to schedule your next mammogram! And reach out if CRHC can help you with any data in this area or any other!
