Facts and Figures of Breast Cancer
According to The Cancer Treatment Centers of America, breast cancer is one of the most common non-skin cancers among American women. However, today’s advancements in breast cancer treatment mean most women can beat the disease and maintain their physical appearance.
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America reported the following information about breast cancer.
- 1 out of every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
- About 60,000 new cases of of non-invasive carcinoma in situ, the earliest form of breast cancer, will be diagnosed in 2015
- About 231,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2015
- In the 1960s, the 5 year survival rate for women with breast cancer was 63%; today, that number has increased to 89%
Risk Factors
There are various factors that can cause an increased risk of breast cancer. Knowing what they are will help you to take the steps to reduce your personal risk of developing this disease.
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America list the following as risk factors in relation to developing breast cancer.
- Age: 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in woman ages 55 and older
- Family History: Women with an immediate blood relative, like a mother or sister, are twice as likely to develop the disease
- Genetics: Women with a mutated BRCA1 gene have about a 55-65% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
- High breast density: Women with less fatty tissue and more glandular and fibrous tissue may be at higher risk for developing breast cancer
- Obesity: Fat tissue may contribute to increased estrogen levels and high levels of estrogen may increase the risk of breast cancer
- Heavy drinking: Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer with the risk increasing with the amount of alcohol consumed
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