Why We Walk

About one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime.

For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. There are an estimated 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women except for skin cancers.

There will be an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women this year.

About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, which is why City of Hope offers genetic testing.

There Is Hope

Breast cancer survivorship has tripled over the past 60 years. This is attributed to earlier detection, increased awareness and improved treatment — but there is still much work to be done. That’s where City of Hope comes in. City of Hope scientists and investigators have designed a class of cancer-seeking proteins known as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that detect and destroy cancer cells.

City of Hope research shows that as few as three hours of regular, moderate exercise a week, such as walking, can lower risk of breast cancer.

City of Hope is performing a new treatment called intraoperative radiation Therapy (IORT) for women with breast cancer. IORT is intense radiation directly to the tumor site, replacing six to seven weeks of daily radiation — helping avoid side effects like weakened ribs, skin problems, scarring and the risk of secondary cancers.

City of Hope researchers are looking for ways to prevent and cure cancer, and they’ve found some promising possibilities in superfoods. Lab research is showing that certain superfoods may have the ability to combat cancer — without affecting healthy tissue.

• City of Hope researchers have identified six natural compounds in pomegranates that may prevent breast cancer.
• City of Hope researchers discovered that grape seed extract naturally blocks a hormone that causes breast cancer to spread and grow — without affecting healthy tissue.
• In City of Hope labs, studies of blueberries have shown they inhibit growth and the spread of triple-negative breast cancer, which is one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer.

Help Create Hope

If you have not already, register for Walk for Hope today! You can walk as an individual or start a team and recruit your friends and family to join you!

Lead the charge. Be your own first donor and show your support in the fight against women’s cancers! Consider making a $50 donation to yourself to kick off your fundraising today! Then, use the sample emails to ask your friends, family and coworkers to join your team or support you with a donation.

Become a Hero for Hope by raising at least $200, or push yourself to be a Hero for Hope by raising $1,000 or more, and be part of the mission to save more lives. Need help getting started? Check out the participant tools page!

Contact the Walk for Hope team at 800-266-7920 or walk4hope@coh.org.