Although the trucking industry has traditionally been male-dominated, women have been driving trucks in the United States since World War I. Their role and influence within the industry have continued to expand over the years, and they still do.

While female truckers were once a rare sight, the past decade has witnessed a significant increase in the number of women in trucking. According to this year’s research by the Women in Trucking organization, 12.1% of professional drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are female. Additionally, women comprise 43.5% of truckload dispatchers in the US.

At first glance, these numbers may not appear particularly impressive. However, when we consider the challenges women in the trucking industry have had to overcome, including social stigma and discrimination, we must truly appreciate their significance.

We at AAA Freight are especially proud of all the female truckers on our team. We want to show them appreciation for their bravery and unwavering commitment, and we strive to support them both on and off the road adequately. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to put a special emphasis on the importance of self-care and encourage them to take proactive measures for disease prevention.

All You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the US. It is a disease notorious for having the ability to quickly spread throughout the body and become fatal. Curing breast cancer can be both physically and mentally exhausting for patients, as it might require complicated methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Therefore, it is important to stress the importance of prevention and regular medical checkups. 

Some facts you should know about breast cancer:

• According to predictions, 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer during her lifetime.
• As of January 2022, there were over 4 million women living with a history of breast cancer across the country.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers.
• Approximately 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage before the cancer has spread outside of the breast when it is easiest to treat.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women, behind lung cancer. The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is 1 in 39, or about 2.5%.
• In 2023, an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.
• An estimated 43,700 U.S. women will die from breast cancer in 2023.

This data shows the concerning frequency of breast cancer. It affects many women (and, though rarely, men) worldwide, and if it isn’t timely diagnosed, it can quickly worsen and lead to the worst possible outcome.

What Are the Symptoms and Risk Factors?

Common symptoms and signs of breast cancer include:

• Changes in the size or the shape of the breast
• Nipple discharge
• Pain in any area of the breast
• Lumps in the breast or underarm

It is important to note that these symptoms may not always indicate breast cancer. Therefore, self-diagnosis is not sufficient, and it is advised to schedule a medical checkup as soon as you notice any of these issues.

Breast cancer can affect both women and men of all ages. However, certain individuals are at a higher risk. Some of the main factors that increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer are:

• Being a woman
• Being 50 years old or older
• Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes

How to Prevent Breast Cancer?

The best advice we can offer on breast cancer prevention is a rather simple one to follow - undergo regular screening. According to professional recommendations, all women should have an annual mammography screening. Additionally, self-exams are also crucial. Check for changes in your breasts, including lumps, painful spots, and other irregularities frequently to spot the symptoms early. 

Here are some measures you can take to lower your risk of developing breast cancer:

• Exercise and keep a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Breastfeed your children, if possible
• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, consult your doctor about potential risks

It's important to note that the risk of developing breast cancer can never be reduced to zero, even with good health and a healthy lifestyle. However, following the tips mentioned above can significantly decrease that risk.

AAA Freight Supports Women in Trucking

Women are an indispensable part of AAA Freight! Within our company, they play a crucial role, taking on various responsibilities. They drive, manage truck dispatch, oversee equipment maintenance, and handle financial matters. Their contribution to our team is immense, and they have equal chances to grow here as their male counterparts.

We are committed to providing them with support in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. So this month, we wish to place special emphasis on women's health and underscore the importance of breast cancer prevention and treatment. To all the women of AAA, the women in the trucking industry, and women everywhere, please remember to conduct self-examinations regularly and schedule mammography screenings as frequently as recommended. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, both on and off the road!

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