Survivors: Stronger, Happier And More Optimistic (NAPSA)—Thereis very little doubt that surviving breast cancer is a life-changing experience—one that transforms many women’s lives for the better. According to a recent survey of more than 500 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer, many women find a “bright side” to having survived the disease. In fact, they state that having breast cancer has made them stronger, happier and more optimistic. The survey, which was commissioned by AstraZeneca and conducted by Harris Interactive, consisted of interviews with 543 women in the United States who were diagnosed with breast cancer. It found that the vast majority (87 percent) of the women said that their experience with cancer made them a stronger person, while 92 percent reported a posi- tive change in their lifestyles since being diagnosed. Moreover, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of the women said they are hopeful and optimistic about the future. And aboutfour in five (83 percent) said they were better able to put their lives in perspective. “Being diagnosed with breast cancer gives you a whole new perspective onlife,” said Deborah Powell, a breast cancer survivor. “Surviving breast cancer taught me to treasure and enjoy every day.” Perceptions of what it means to be a breast cancer survivor were positive as well. More than half (56 percent) of women who have had breast cancer say being a survivor means beating the odds, while half (50 percent) say being a Has Having (Had) Breast Cancer Made You A Stronger Person? Strongly or Somewhat Disagree 13% Strongly or Somewhat Agree 87% Do You Believe There Is Anything You Can Do To Lessen The Likelihood Of A Recurrence Of Breast Cancer? No 30% Not sure 23% Yes 47% increasing focus on early detection and recent medical and scientific advances, mortality rates from breast cancer in women have declined steadily since 1990. Today, more women are surviving breast cancer, remaining diseasefree and living longer and healthier lives. As a result, the survivorship community is flourishing. Today, there are 2.3 million breast cancer survivors, making it the largest group of cancer survivors in the USS. It is estimated that there will be 178,480 new cases of breast cancerin the U.S. during 2007. An estimated 40,460 women will die from the disease this year. Mammography screening, which is recommended annually for women 40 years and older, frequently detects early signs of breast cancer and improves survival chances. Getting Connected Along with survivorship comes a strong sense of connection @ survivor means being a new person and changing for the better. When asked to describe the personality traits of a breast cancer survivor, the majority of women surveyed characterized survivors as “strong” and a “fighter” and as “determined” and “optimistic.” While breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in womenafter lung cancer and the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, the future does look promising. Due to an among women who have experienced breast cancer. The survey showed that breast cancer survivors are morelikely to identify a great deal with other women who have had breast cancer (66 percent) than with people of the same ethnic/racial background (41 percent) or religious beliefs (40 percent). And more than a third (34 percent) of women said that they relied heavily on other breast cancer survivors on their path to recovery. To learn more about breast cancer, recurrence and survivorship, visit www.getbefacts.com.
