Submitted by Atchison County Health Department
Did you know?
• One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer
• In 2025, over 316,000 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
• 59,000+ new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected.
• There are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Why This Matters to You
When caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable – with a 99% survival rate at the earliest stage. But surviving and thriving starts with understanding your health.
That’s where health literacy comes in.
What Is Health Literacy?
Health literacy is how well you can:
• Find health information
• Understand what it means
• Use it to make smart decisions
It also depends on how clearly your doctors and healthcare providers explain things.
What It Helps You Do
• Make informed choices
• Understand screenings and treatments
• Take your meds correctly
• Manage chronic conditions
• Practice prevention and healthy living
What You Can Do
• Ask questions at appointments
• Say “I don’t understand” – it’s okay!
• Request written instructions
• Speak up if something doesn’t feel right
Remember: you are your own best advocate.
Take Action Now
• Schedule your mammogram or screening.
• Talk to your doctor about your risk factors
• Share this information with someone you care about.
“Knowledge is power. Health literacy is your tool. Use it to take charge of your health.”
(References: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts and https://medlineplus.gov/healthliteracy.html)
