About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races. It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and at this time, there is no cure.

Statistics       

Education and Early Detection Increase Survival

• There is no known cure for advanced breast cancer.
• Detection of breast cancer at an early stage provides a greater chance for a cure and more treatment options.
• When the disease is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is more than 95%.
• More Caucasian women than African American women develop breast cancer. However, more African American women die of breast cancer.
• Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women 50 years and older. The mortality rate would decrease by 30% if every woman over 50 was informed and followed the early screening guidelines.
• National Statistics (2012 estimated)

In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. women there will be:
•226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors).
•63,300 new cases of in situ breast cancer (includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), of those, about 85 percent will be DCIS). DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a condition that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about DCIS and LCIS.
•39,510 breast cancer deaths.  Hispanic/Latina women 

Screening mammography rates among Hispanic/Latina women are now similar to rates among non-Hispanic white and African American women. However, in the past, Hispanic/Latina women were less likely to have regular screening and to get prompt follow-up for an abnormal mammogram. Learn more about breast cancer screening among Hispanic/Latina women.  

Breast Cancer in African American Women 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer [40]. In 2011, an estimated 26,840 new cases of breast cancer and 6,040 deaths were expected to occur among African American women [43].

Breast cancer incidence in African American women is lower than in white women overall. However, for women younger than 40, incidence is higher among African American women than white women [40].

Breast cancer mortality (death) is 41 percent higher in African American women than in white women [36]. Although breast cancer survival in African American women has increased in recent decades, survival rates remain lower than among white women. For those diagnosed from 2002 to 2008, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer among African American women was 78 percent compared to 92 percent among white women [36]. There are many possible reasons for this difference in survival including:

• Biologic and genetic differences in tumors
• Prevalence of risk factors
• Barriers to health care access
• Health behaviors
• Later stage of breast cancer at diagnosis

Breast cancer screening rates among African American women are similar to those among white women [44-45]. Learn more breast cancer screening among African American women.

Age and breast cancer

The two most common risk factors for breast cancer are:

• Being female
• Getting older

All women are at risk for breast cancer. No matter your age, you should become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any changes, see your health care provider. Learn about the warnings signs of breast cancer.

The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you age. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older [40]. Until more is known about prevention, early detection and treatment offer the best defense against dying from breast cancer.

Younger women

Although rare, younger women can also get breast cancer. Five percent of breast cancers occur in women under age 40 [40].

While breast cancer risk is generally much lower among younger women, certain genetic factors can put some women at a higher risk. Women who are diagnosed at younger ages may have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. Women who carry one of these gene mutations have an increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Learn more about inherited gene mutations and cancer risk.

Education and Early Detection Increase Survival

• There is no known cure for advanced breast cancer.
• Detection of breast cancer at an early stage provides a greater chance for a cure and more treatment options.
• When the disease is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is more than 95%.
• More Caucasian women than African American women develop breast cancer. However, more African American women die of breast cancer.
• Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women 50 years and older. The mortality rate would decrease by 30% if every woman over 50 was informed and followed the early screening guidelines.

 Facts about breast cancer in men