General

• Breast cancer accounts for nearly one out of every three cancer diagnoses among women in the United States. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer in women.
• Numerous studies have shown that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 97% among individuals whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at the time of diagnosis.
• Since 1995, breast cancer mortality has declined by 3.2% per year.

Risk and Risk Factors

• Gender and age are the main risk factors. As age increases, so does the risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, 77% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or older.
• Other risk factors include family or personal history of breast cancer, history of benign breast disease, and lifetime exposure to estrogen.

Screening

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• Women at increased risk (family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier and of having additional tests (breast ultrasound and MRI).
• Older women should continue annual mammography, regardless of age, as long as they do not have serious, chronic health problems. Women with serious health problems or short life expectancy should evaluate ongoing early detection testing with their health care providers.

Treatment

• Cancer treatment varies widely depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the age and medical history of the patient. Treatment may include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
• Patients should discuss treatment options for the best management of their breast cancer with their health care providers.