Breast cancer still the most common among women, says American Cancer Society

LOS ANGELES – While much progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer in recent years, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the US, next to skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer, reports the American Cancer Society.

The chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer at some time in her life is about 1 in 8. In 2014, approximately 232,670 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,400 will die from it.

In 1993, the American Cancer Society created “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” community walks as a rallying point to build awareness and raise funds to fight the disease. In the past 21 years, 10 million walkers have raised more than $594 million.

This year, Los Angeles will host its inaugural MSABC walk on Saturday, October 18 at NOKIA Plaza at LA LIVE. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the walk at 8 a.m. Thousands of diverse Angelenos are expected to walk.

“As the most powerful force to end this deadly disease, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer brings communities together,” said Jordan Buskirk, event lead for the MSABC walk in Los Angeles. “The progress we are making is remarkable, but more people are needed to help finish the fight.”

Making Strides proceeds fund American Cancer Society breast cancer research grants, free patient/caregiver services, in-depth cancer information, and legislative advocacy to ensure cancer patients have access to the quality care they need.

Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit makingstrideswalk.org/LosAngeles to help continue saving lives.

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