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Breast Cancer Facts and Stats

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. women, excluding skin cancer. If the current rate stays the same, women born today have about a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point during their lives. Although mortality rates have steadily decreased since 1990, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women, exceeded only by lung cancer.

Key Statistics:

  • In 2007, an estimated 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women living in the U.S.
     
  • In addition, approximately 62,030 new cases of in situ breast cancer will be diagnosed.
     
  • An estimated 40,460 women in the U.S. will die from the disease.  
     
  • The chance of getting breast cancer increases with age. During 2000-2004, 95% of new cases occurred in women aged 40 years and older. 
     
  • Although incidence is highest for Caucasian women, African American women have the highest mortality rate, followed by Caucasian, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Asian American/Pacific Island women.
  • Between 1990 and 2004, U.S. deaths due to breast cancer decreased 2.2% annually. The decline has been largely attributed to earlier detection and improved treatments.
     
  • When detected early, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is roughly 98%. For regional disease, the rate is 84%. If the cancer has spread to distant organs, 5-year survival drops to 27%. Larger tumor size at diagnosis is also associated with decreased survival.

Risk Factors:   

  • Female gender is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. The risk for females is 100 times that of males. Currently, a woman living in the U.S. has a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing the disease.
     
  • After gender, age is the most important risk factor. The older a woman, the greater her chances of developing the disease.
     
  • Additional factors associated with risk are family history and genetics, previous breast pathology, previous radiation to the chest, hormonal factors, breast density and certain behavioral factors such as alcohol consumption, and possibly, diet and smoking. Environmental factors may also play a role. Most women, however, who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors other than gender and age.

Risk Reduction:     

  • For women at average risk, the emphasis is on regular screening and healthy lifestyle habits. Women at increased risk should consider additional risk reduction strategies in consultation with their healthcare providers.
     
  • Early detection is the key to saving lives. For asymptomatic women 40 years and older, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram and clinical breast examination. Women under 40 should receive a clinical breast examination at least every three years. Monthly breast self-examinations are considered optional.

References:

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2007. Retrieved Nov. 21, 2007 from American Cancer Society web site at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_Cancer_Facts__Figures_2007.asp

American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts & Figures. Retrieved Nov. 21, 2007 from American Cancer Society web site at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_Breast_Cancer_Facts__Figures
_2007-2008.asp

American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Breast Cancer. Retrieved Nov. 21, 2007 from American Cancer Society web site at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=5

For additional information on breast cancer screening and diagnosis, please visit:

For information on breast cancer screening services for medically underserved women:

Breast cancer and cervical cancer testing is available to medically underserved women through the National Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This program offers breast and cervical cancer early detection testing to women without health insurance for free or at very little cost.

For California women, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Cancer Detection Section (CDS) offers free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services through the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds the cervical component of the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Women age 25 and older may qualify for free cervical cancer screening, call 1-800-511-2300.

Updated: November, 2007.

 
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