The Truth About Breast Cancer — and How Your Shopping Can Help Fund the Fight

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women. In fact, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. With World Health Day (April 7th) right around the corner, we want to highlight the importance of prioritizing wellness through breast cancer detection screening and education.

If you’ve ever known anyone who has fought breast cancer, you know how life-changing this disease can be. That’s why this month, we’re proudly partnering up with National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to support survivors and help educate readers by providing statistics, debunking common myths, and showing ways that they can help fight against this disease, like using our partnering brands’ coupons.

This quarter, we’ve pledged to make an impact on this cause by donating $5,000 to NBCF, no matter what. We’ll also make extra fee-free donations when you use one of our featured coupons — together, we’re stronger.

Breast Cancer Statistics & Facts

Early detection is key to the long-term survival of breast cancer. The good news is that the American Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer found in the early, localized stage yields five-year survival rates of 99%.

Conversely, survival rates drastically decline when cancer has metastasized, meaning that it has spread beyond just the breast. When found regionally (cancer has spread to nearby organs/lymph nodes), the survival rate drops to 87%, and down to 32% when it becomes distant (spread to further regions of the body).

This is why prevention through detection is critical to increasing survival rates in those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Prevention includes educating the public on how to conduct breast self-exams and the importance of routine mammograms.

Another aspect of education is knowing the statistics, which can improve outcomes through more aggressive detection methods and earlier screening. While all racial groups can get breast cancer, one in five Black women are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, which is much more difficult to treat.

Pushing out your support to organizations like NBCF is more crucial than ever. Through supporters like you and with better screening and early detection efforts, increase awareness, and continually improving treatment options, death rates from the disease have declined by 43% since 1989.

5 Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

Now that you know some of the main facts and statistics about breast cancer, let’s debunk some common myths about it.

Myth #1: Breast cancer can be caused by an injury
This is false, breast cancer cannot be caused by an injury. Oftentimes, people discover breast cancer after an injury to the breast, which prompts them to pay more attention to the area. Another potential factor that might lead to this myth is that it’s often discovered coincidentally when they visit the hospital for the injury.

Myth #2: Young people can’t get breast cancer
While it’s true that breast cancer is more common in middle-aged to older women, roughly 9% of new breast cancer cases are discovered in women younger than 45 years old.

Myth #3: Only women get breast cancer
No, men can also get breast cancer. Around 2,800 men this year are estimated to get breast cancer, and 530 of them aren’t expected to survive.

Myth #4: My deodorant caused my breast cancer
It can often be tempting to put an identifiable cause to why you have breast cancer, but in fact, the cause of breast cancer is still unknown. According to research from the American Cancer Society, there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

it’s highly unlikely that your deodorant led to the disease. In fact, the cause of breast cancer is still unknown.

Myth #5: I can catch breast cancer from someone else
Breast cancer is not contagious, meaning that you cannot catch it from being around someone who has it. If you know anyone who is battling breast cancer, your support matters, and you can rest assured that they won’t be able to spread it to you.

Behind the Mission: The Work of NBCF

NBCF was founded by Janelle Hail, who is a survivor of breast cancer. Today, the organization’s mission is to help those like Janelle who are or have been affected by breast cancer through free education, resources, support, and hope.

“We’re excited to be partnering again with Savings.com and their commitment to our mission of Helping Women Now," said Candice Hensley, NBCF Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Their support will help us provide early detection, education, and support services to women affected by breast cancer across the country."

If it hasn’t been emphasized enough, early detection is critical to improving survival outcomes. However, economic factors often make marginalized groups feel these resources are unreachable. That’s why NBCF provides free early detection screening initiatives such as their National Mammography Program, which provides underserved women with free diagnostic services such as 3D mammograms, clinical breast exams, ultrasounds, and even biopsies. This way, anyone can get screening regardless of their economic status.

NBCF also provides complimentary HOPE Kits to women undergoing cancer treatment. The packages are filled with comforting items like fuzzy socks, tea, beauty products, educational resources, and more.

Cheryl Kennedy, a HOPE Kit recipient, exclaimed, “I was so happy and surprised to receive a HOPE Kit from National Breast Cancer Foundation! The gift really touched my heart. When I opened the box, I was overwhelmed with all the beautiful items I found inside! I am so grateful to receive such a generous gift."

Shop for a Good Cause With SavingsCARES x NBCF

Together, we can take away power from breast cancer by supporting NBCF. At Savings.com, we know donating money to causes you care about might not always work with your budget. That’s why we’ve created an easy, fee-free way for you to help fight against this disease.

All you have to do is shop using a SavingsCARES coupon from any of our partner brands. From there, we’ll contribute a share of our commission in donations to NBCF. Whether you’re shopping for a new tumbler at Hydro Flask, a trendy bathing suit at Bluebella, or high quality outdoor gear at Osprey, you’ll be able to shop knowing that you’re saving money on products you want while also contributing to the fight against breast cancer. We’re also pledging to donate $5,000 to NBCF at the end of the quarter, no matter what.

If you’re itching to dive into the cause even more, there are still many ways to help. You can make a donation directly to NBCF, start a fundraiser, become a company partner, pack HOPE Kits, and so much more. For information about how to volunteer at a location near you, visit their Volunteer Services Center to get started.

With our joint efforts, we can make big leaps toward making breast cancer a thing of the past.