Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races. It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and at this time, there is no cure.
But there is hope. Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before.
The Susan G. Komen national website, komen.org, offers comprehensive information about breast cancer risk factors, early detection and screening, diagnosis, treatment and support. Developed in conjunction with the Harvard School of Public Health, the online Understanding Breast Cancer offers a one-stop resource for all the latest information on the disease.
Bahamas Breast Cancer Data
Health officials estimate 300-500 new cases each year.
48% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas were under the age of 50.
The average age of diagnosis in The Bahamas is 42. In the United States it is 62.
44% of Bahamian women with breast cancer had Stage 3 or Stage 4 of this disease.
What this means is that Bahamian wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends are finding out about their cancer later and dying younger.
Among the women who die from breast cancer in The Bahamas 43% are under 50-years-old at the time of their death.
In addition, it is estimated that a full 23% of Bahamian women diagnosed with breast cancer carry the BRCA1 gene mutation – an issue being investigated by Dr. Judith Hurley of the University of Miami, whose research Komen has funded since 2008.
Marathon Bahamas is honoured to support organizations in the Bahamian community which are dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in The Bahamas. The Cancer Society of The Bahamas which has been working in our community for 35 years; the Sister Sister Support Group founded by local oncologists who saw the need for the countless when diagnosed with breast cancer had a support system; and the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation which is dedicated to raising funds to help fund our public hospital here in Nassau. Together, the community’s support of these organizations will help to change the status quo.