Back when I was growing up, you rarely heard about breast cancer. I don't know if it was because it was a "woman's" disease that affected female parts and those were more prudish times, relatively speaking. It would be interesting to research and see if the rates or higher, or they are catching it earlier before it spreads elsewhere. In the 70s, the only person whom I knew who had it was one of the neighborhood moms, and unfortunately, she died after a long battle with it, leaving behind two young sons.
At work, several ladies have had breast cancer recently and my mother-in-law died from it a couple years ago. I also lost a work friend who had a terrible time w/it (surgery, lost a breast, chemo, radiation, but it still came back). She was very vivacious---a "young" 62 years old, active, took great care of herself, full of energy.
Poor Sheryl Crow is having a bad year. She called off her wedding and now this. I hope she gets through her treatment well and becomes one of those "ladies in pink" survivors who live long, happy lives. What a brave group--I love seeing them at the Race for the Cure. Puts it all into perspective, doesn't it?