Breast Cancer Facts

Breast Cancer Statistics

• Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer: 182,460 women will be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer - a total of 250,230.
• One woman is diagnosed every three minutes in the United States.
• One woman dies every 12 minutes in the U.S.
• 40,930 women will die from breast cancer this year.
• One out of eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Men are also at risk for breast cancer: 1,990 men will be diagnosed.
• 450 men will die from breast cancer this year.
• Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women 35 to 54 years of age.
• Breast cancer costs more than 6 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity.
• Of women diagnosed with breast cancer, 76 percent have NO risk factors - the greatest risk is being female.
• Having a first degree family history of breast cancer increases risk two to three times. If cancer occurred in the relative before menopause or occurred in both breasts, the risk is even higher.
• Family history on the mother's or father's side is equally important.
• Having a first child after age 30 or having no children.
• Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 50).
• History of ovarian cancer.
• Increased alcohol intake.
• Obesity, particularly after menopause.

Our greatest weapon against breast cancer is early detection. Breast cancer found early can usually be treated successfully. Practice breast self-exam monthly. Contact a physician if any change is found in your breasts. Have a clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional. Women 40 and older should have a mammogram yearly as recommended by the American Cancer Society.