ABC57's Jennifer Copeland shines a light on breast cancer awareness

Experts say breast cancer is the most common cancer of among women under the age of 50. 

According to Dr. Ami Shah, a Hematology and Oncology Specialist at Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine, "1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime," but Dr. Shah sees a 7 percent increase from 2010 to 2019. 

Researchers are noticing similarities among patients. 

First, five to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are linked to genetics.

Researchers stress the importance of breast cancer awareness and knowing when to see care. 

Secondly, minority women and women with lower access to good care have a lower survival rate. 

"We also know that black women and white women have similar incidents of breast cancer. But if you're a black woman, you're at higher or at least a 40% higher chance of dying of your disease," said Dr. Erica Stringer-Reasor, Director of Breast Cancer Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, through various educational campaigns and programs. 

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Helpline is a free resource available to everyone, including survivors, caregivers, those living with metastatic breast cancer and advocates.