SEATTLE - Each year, about 300,000 people living in the United States get diagnosed with cancer. One of the most common types of cancer that affects women is breast cancer, which accounts for about 30% of all cancer cases. That is why each October, the entire nation celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), a way to educate people about the disease, promote early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.
The disease is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, only surpassed by lung cancer. And although breast cancer impacts all women, experts say that Latinas are particularly affected by it, as they are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, when it is more difficult to treat.
