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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