BREAST CANCER BY THE NUMBERS
Information is an important tool in the fight against breast cancer. Here are some revealing numbers that will help you better understand the disease.
Breast Cancer Is Much More Common Than 50 Years Ago
As an American woman, your chance of having breast cancer during your lifetime is one in eight. In 1960, the rate was one in every 20 women.
We’re Getting Better At Fighting The Disease
Since 1990, the death rate for breast cancer has decreased by more than 2 percent every year. From 1974 to 1990, the death rate was actually increasing slightly.
You Can Beat Breast Cancer There are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone! Women Aren’t The Only Victims There were almost 2,000 cases of breast cancer in men last year.
Many Lives Can Still Be Saved
Less than 60 percent of women 40 and older have had a mammogram within the past year. Yet, it’s a proven fact that an annual mammography exam is the single most effective method of early detection because it can identify breast cancer several years before any physical symptoms develop. Most importantly, be sure to schedule an annual mammogram screening if you are over 40 or have a high risk for breast cancer. There’s simply too much at stake – for you, and your family.