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FACTS
BREAST CANCER AND YOUNG WOMEN
RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION
EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENING
GENETIC TESTING
OPTIONS FOR HIGH RISK WOMEN
Brease Surgery and Reconstruction
Q & A
Q & A


BREAST CANCER FACTS
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  • Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts from cells in the breast. The disease occurs mostly in women, but men can develop the disease, as well.
  • Approximately 1 in 8 (13%) women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
  • Excluding cancer of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in US women.
  • In 2007, about 40,460 women and 450 men will die from breast cancer in the United States. However, death rates from breast cancer continue to decline, with larger decreases in women younger than 50.
  • At this time there are slightly over 2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
  • Women living in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world.
  • As screening programs become more common, more cases of breast cancer are being caught in the earlier stages of the disease, when they are more easily and successfully treated.

  • Symptoms of breast cancer can include: an abnormal lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area, any change in the size or shape of the breast, abnormal discharge from the nipple, change in the color or texture of the breast, aureola, or nipple, any dimpling or puckering of the breast.

OVARIAN CANCER FACTS

  • Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant, cancerous cells are found in the ovary.

  • Early detection of ovarian cancer is complex because ovaries are difficult to see and feel. However, it is incredibly helpful and dramatically increases one’s chance of survival. The treatment for ovarian cancer is quite intense and complicated.
  • Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women. Generally, in the United States, women have a 1.8% chance of developing ovarian cancer.

  • There is a 4-7% chance of developing ovarian cancer with a woman who has a first-degree relative with the disease. Additionally, the percentage increases to 45 when there is a clear pattern of ovarian, breast, and other cancers within a family.
  • In 2007, about 22, 430 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed. Approximately 15, 280 women will die from the disease this year.
  • Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include: swelling of the stomach (abdomen) from a buildup of fluid, unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure, back or leg pain, problems such as gas, bloating, long-term stomach pain, constipation

Sources: National Cancer Institute, 2007; Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 2007; American Cancer Society, 2007.