The Facts
Each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.
If detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.
The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.
Early Signs
• A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance.
• Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
• The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
• A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.
Women's breasts can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small percentage of lumps are malignant. While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead to increased risk, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history. If you have a family history of breast cancer, this should be discussed with your doctor.
Facts
• Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
• This year more than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected in the United States. One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.
• Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.
• Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don't panic-call your doctor for an appointment.
• Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
• When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%.
• Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.
