SJR65 Summary

• Recognizes April 2016 as "Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Month" in Alabama.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women after skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for women, with 1 in 8 women expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime.

• Approximately 5 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases are metastatic (Stage IV), with an estimated 30 percent of early stage cases becoming metastatic or recurrent advanced cases.

• Metastatic breast cancer has a poorer prognosis and lower five-year survival rate than early stage breast cancer, with diagnoses in women under 40 increasing 2 percent annually.

• Urges Alabama citizens to spread awareness, provide support for those affected, and educate others on prevention and early detection of metastatic breast cancer.