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1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. She’s your mother, sister, daughter, aunt, neighbor and co-worker. More than that, she’s friends with you on your social network.

Raising awareness to this issue and all of the research done to prevent and treat it is just one small step in the fight against breast cancer. BlackPlanet members share their personal experiences in their battle with breast cancer.

Carolyn King-Kirkendoll

I am a three-time survivor. I have two more rounds of chemo to go. I’ve got cancer, cancer doesn’t have me.

Yolanda Green-Hill

I am 39 years old. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2004. I had 2 aunts & a mother who died from it. I had a double mastectomy followed later with implants. Having cancer makes life so real. I was always worried about my looks, clothes & how people saw me to the point of not wanting the surgery. I had a close male friend who told me I shouldn’t be that shallow. He said if people couldn’t accept my situation they need not be in my life, & that I needed to be here for my kids!! For now I am cancer free, & I thank God everyday for my life. I am a fighter & I am blessed. Anyone going through this never give up, love yourself, find a support system, & hold on to God!!

Brooklyn Honey

I was diagnosed in May 2009. I a double mastectomy then implants. I am so happy they caught it early. I’ve been cancer free since August 2009 and now I’m better than ever.

Sylvia Halepota

I’m a survivor for one year now, diagnosed with stage 1. I feel great and I know God is good.

A few breast cancer facts:

  • Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Just under 30% of cancers in women are breast cancers.
  • In 2011, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US.
  • In men, about 1 in 10 breast cancers are believed to be due to BRCA2 mutations, and even fewer cases to BRCA1 mutations.
  • About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.
  • In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Awareness is key. Do you have a breast cancer story to share?

6 Degrees Of Separation: Everyone Knows Someone Who Has Suffered From Breast Cancer

A Black Woman’s Guide To Breast Cancer Awareness

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