Facts on breast cancer

Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics

• Approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women , after skin cancer In 2007, approximately 212,920 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among Asian women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality (after lung cancer), representing 15% of all female cancer deaths. In 2006, 40,970 women are expected to die from breast cancer
• The overall 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 88% and the overall 10-year survival rate is 80%. When breast cancer is diagnosed early (Stage I) the 5-year survival rate for women is 98%.
• The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is being female.
• Mammography is a valuable tool to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage.
• Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older.