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Breast Cancer Statistics
- 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
- In 2025, an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the US.
- This year, an estimated 42,170 women will die from breast cancer in the US.
- A mammogram appointment takes half an hour.
Modifiable Risk Factors include:
- Diet high in fat and low fruit/vegetables
- Obesity & physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Alcohol use (even moderate intake increases risk)
- Long-term hormone therapy
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors include:
- Age (risk increases significantly after age 50)
- Family history – be sure to let your doctor know of your family history, mammograms may be recommended at an earlier age
- Dense breast tissue
- Chest radiation
- Reproductive history (early menstruation (<12), late menopause (>55), never giving birth, or first childbirth after 30)
- Race/Ethnicity – Black women have higher rates of aggressive types like triple-negative breast cancer; Ashkenazi Jewish women have higher BRCA mutation prevalence. [bcrf.org].
American Cancer Society Recommended Breast Cancer Screenings:
- Ages 40–44: Option to start annual mammograms.
- Ages 45–54: Annual mammograms recommended.
- Ages 55+: Switch to every 2 years, or continue annually if preferred.
- Continue screening as long as the woman is in good health and expected to live 10+ years.
- Clinical breast exams are not recommended for average-risk women.
This is part 2 of a series on specific Cancers that have preventive screenings. Stay tuned to find out more about each of the 6 cancers.
To View All Parts Click Here!
Written by: Kelly McCall, Manager Health Intelligence Analytics