Breast Cancer

An estimated 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Of those, 46,000 will die of the disease. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women.

It is not yet known what causes the disease. Eighty percent of diagnosed breast cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease. Whether cancer is genetically linked, externally triggered, hormonally induced or a combination of these factors remains the question.

More than 75 percent of breast cancer diagnosed each year occurs in women older than 50. Although breast cancer is rare among women 35 and younger, the National Breast Cancer Coalition strongly recommends that women begin breast self-examinations at the age of 21. This helps to familiarize young women with their breasts early so they can detect any abnormalities that may form later. Early detection of breast cancer gives women more treatment options and a better chance of recovery, according to the National Cancer Institute.

To learn more about breast cancer, please call the following numbers for confidential and free information and support:

The National Breast Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER

The American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345

The Y-Me Hotline 1-800-221-2141

The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations 1-800-719-9154