Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, affecting both men and women of all ages. In order to minimize individual risk, it is important to understand some general points about the disease, including current statistics by the American Cancer Society and National Breast Cancer Foundation. This article highlights 10 important facts about breast cancer, such as modern risk factors, symptoms and treatment.
- In 2015, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of these 230,000 cases, approximately 40,000 are expected to be fatal. Breast cancer is now estimated to make up roughly 14% of new cancer cases in the United States.
- Of the various types of fatal cancers, only lung cancer exceeds breast cancer in mortality rates. Fortunately, due to earlier detection and treatment, these rates have been in decline since 1989, particularly for women under 50.
- Older women are at the greatest risk of developing breast cancer, with a median age of first diagnosis at 61 years old. It is important to understand that younger women are still susceptible, however.
- The chances of developing breast cancer increase with age. While the chances are lower when younger, at approximately 1-in-227 at age 30, by the time a woman is 60, the chances rise to approximately 1-in-28.
- Family history is one risk factor in developing breast cancer, but approximately 85% of diagnoses are in women without other relatives with the disease. This is due to the other significant risk factors, including excess alcohol usage, limited exercise, poor diet, having children later in life and overexposure to radiation.
- While cases are rare at less than 1% of diagnoses, men are also at risk of developing breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that approximately 2,350 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. The chance for men to develop breast cancer at one point in their lifetimes is approximately 1-in-1000.
- The American Cancer Society suggests that women in their 20s and 30s have breast cancer exams every three years. For women aged 40 and older, exams should be held at least once every year, with more screenings for those with high risk factors.
- The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. In some cases, this lump can be detected via a self-breast exam. In others, masses are only detectable through screenings by trained professionals.
- It is not the size of the tumor that indicates its danger to the body. Smaller cancers can be just as deadly as larger cancers if the specific cancer is of an aggressive variety. On the other hand, some larger cancers can be relatively benign and easily removed.
- Treatment options for breast cancers do exist, yet often the best treatment is early detection and prevention. It is vitally important that women build the habit of getting regular screenings and increase individual awareness of breast cancer causes and treatments in order to minimize risk.
For more information on breast cancer, and to see stories from those directly affected, be sure to check out our ‘Why We Walk’ series!
