Radiologist Mary Kay Peterson explains that with more than 200,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year, the recent rate drop means that about 14,000 fewer women were diagnosed with the disease. But could the reduced number in women taking hormone replacement be the only cause? "There are multiple factors there when I look at our own practice down here in Southwest Florida more, more patients are involved. In the last 6 months I saw a 21 year old and a 24 year old affected by breast cancer a 38 year old 47 year old with a double mastectomy last week its no longer a disease of the older woman the over-50 woman."

Laura Cuty-Ruiz as diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39. "I wasn't anticipating having cancer at all and I was surprised since I was just going for routine visits to find out that I had something else going on but because I went for a routine visit, we found it very early on."

If the rate of breast cancer mortality is to continue to go down, it will be dependent upon several things, among them patient education, monthly self-examinations and annual exams. Dr. Peterson also says, "Not just education of the patients and knowing that they need to have their exam, starting the self exam earlier and also getting patients involved with their base line mammogram sooner."

There is a 5K Walk for the Cure this Saturday beginning at the Coconut Pointe Shopping Center. Volunteers are also needed beginning at 6:30 am. You can register online at www.komenswfl.org.