BREAST CANCER INFORMATION

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 182,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer (Stages I–IV) will be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. About 41,200, or 23%, of these cases will result in death.

According to the Florida Department of Health (DOH):

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Florida.

• The incidence of breast cancer in Florida is increasing.

• 30 % of breast cancer mortality is preventable through early detection.

• One of DOH's objectives is to reduce deaths from breast cancer to no more than 20.6 per 100,000. Florida's rate is 24.6.

Nationally, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Death rates from breast cancer declined significantly during 1992 through1996, with the largest decreases in younger women—both white and black. These decreases are likely the result of earlier detection and improved treatment.

Risk Factors

Simply being a woman is the main risk factor for developing breast cancer. Breast cancer can affect men, but this disease is about 100 times more common among women than men.

A woman's chance of developing breast cancer increases with age. About 77 % of women with breast cancer are over age 50 at the time of diagnosis. The danger is also higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. Also, women with cancer in one breast have a three-to-four increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast. This is different from a recurrence of the first cancer.

Early detection improves the chances that breast cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage and treated successfully. The Florida Department of Health recommends the following:

• Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year.

• Between the ages of 20 and 39, women should have a clinical breast examination by a health professional every year.

• Women aged 20 and older should perform breast self-examination every month. By doing the exam regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally feel and you can more readily detect any changes.

Although mammography use has risen, many women are still not making mammograms a part of their routine healthcare. Certain groups are less likely to get even one mammogram. New efforts are needed to reach older women, racial and ethnic minorities and women of low income.

For more information, go to National Cancer Institute .

The Best Protection is Early Detection

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