Breast cancer is a group of abnormal cells found in the breast area that grow out of control.

Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly one of every three cancers diagnosed in American women.

In 2003, an estimated  211,300 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among women. Sadly 40,200 people are forecasted to die from this disease.

Washington, D.C.¹
The annual age-adjusted mortality rates for breast cancer per 100,000 women:

• 31.5 overall
• 17.5 for White women
• 37.1 for Black women

RISK FACTORS

BREAST CANCER DETECTION

At this time, there is no known strategy to eliminate all risk of breast cancer,  so a woman's best defense is early detection!!  Early detection greatly improves the treatment options and chances for survival.

• Mammography is the best method available for diagnosing breast cancer at a stage when it can be most effectively treated--recommended annually for women over age 40
• Clinical Breast Exam is performed by a trained health care professional--recommended annually for women over age 40 and every three years for women 20-39
• Breast Self-Examination should be performed monthly for women over age 20

References:
1.  Fact Sheet, DC Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Preventive Health Services Administration, DC Department of Health, 9/30/99 (1996 Data)
2.  Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2001-2002, American Cancer Society.