Breast Cancer

Read more about this in the
Guide to Clinical Preventive Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Breast cancer is a relatively common cancer, representing about 30% of all cancers in women. In broad terms, treatment is successful in about 3 out of 4 patients in controlling or eliminating the cancer. In about one out of four, the cancer proves fatal.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases steadily with increasing age. It is rare among women under age 25 but affects nearly one in nine of those women reaching age 90.

A number of factors are associated with an increased of developing breast cancer, including:

• Strong family history of breast cancer
• Menopause after age 55
• No term pregnancy prior to age 35

Despite the increased risk, most (about 80%) of breast cancer occurs in women not at increased risk for developing breast cancer. For that reason, efforts at early detection are not focused just on those with somewhat increased risks, but on all women. The primary strategy involves a three-armed effort: Periodic (annual) professional breast examination, monthly self-breast examination, and mammography at appropriate intervals.