One of the most life-threatening types of cancer for women is breast cancer. Currently, there is no cure for cancer and according to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 40,170 women are expected to die of the disease in 2009 alone. Breast cancer affects women across the globe of all races and ages.
Risk Factors
MichiganCancer.org reports that some of the most common risk factors of breast cancer include having no children before the age of 30, a history of cancer in the family, old age, high-dose chest radiation treatments and high breast tissue density.
Self-Exam
A breast self-exam (BSE) is one method that women can check their breast for lumps to detect early breast cancer. First, touch and look at the breast for abnormalities. Move the hand in circular motions to feel deep in the breast tissue. A doctor should be consulted if any abnormalities exist. Early detection is one of the main reasons women survive breast cancer.
Clinical Exam
A clinical breast exam is done during a woman's annual exam by an ob-gyn, who can immediately act if any abnormalities are found. An ob-gyn will also coach you on what to look and feel for when you do a self-exam.
Mammograms
Mammograms are usually performed on women over 40 and are another method used to detect breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast and underlying areas including the lymph nodes.
Survival Rates
The Susan G. Komen website reports that nearly 89 out of 100 women survive for up to five years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Is Breast Cancer Inherited?
Michigancancer.org reports that 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer is the result of an inherited genetic mutation.
Breast Cancer and Men
According to Susan G. Komen For The Cure, less than 1 percent of breast cancer cases involve men.
Cases By Race
The National Cancer Society reports that between 2002 and 2006, out of 100,000 women: 127.8 whites, 117.7 blacks, 89.95 Pacific Islanders/Asians, 74.4 American Indians/Alaskan natives and 88.3 Hispanics had breast cancer.
Mortality Rates By Race
Of those women diagnosed with breast above, nearly 24 whites, 33 blacks, 13 Asians/Pacific Islanders, 18 American Indians/Alaskan Natives and 16 Hispanics died from cancer, according to the National Cancer Society.
Median Age of Death From Breast Cancer in U.S.
National Cancer Society reports that the median age of death by breast cancer was 66 between 2002 and 2006.
Tags: reports that, breast cancer, National Cancer, Cancer Society, National Cancer Society
