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There are so many resources to learn about breast cancer, it may sometimes seem overwhelming. Below you can find information about: self breast exams, new literary material, mammogram reminders, breast cancer facts, and screening guidelines. Learn about the importance of yearly mammograms that could help change the statistics.

Monthly self breast exams can help you learn what "normal" feels like and may help you notice any changes earlier and report them to your doctor without delay. Not sure about the right way to check? Self chec™ takes you step-by-step.

A new book from the American Cancer Society (ACS ) - Breast Cancer Clear & Simple: All Your Questions Answered—now available for purchase.

  • The American Cancer Society estimates that 178,480 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during 2007.
  • Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women (excluding skin cancer) and ranks second among cancer deaths in women, following lung cancer.
  • The best defense against breast cancer is to detect it early, when it is easiest to treat. Mammograms are the single most effective method of early detection.
  • Women who are 40 and older should get a mammogram every year.
  • Less than 10 percent of breast cancer cases are in women with a family history of the disease.
  • The estimated five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer that has not spread is approximately 98 percent.

† American Cancer Society, Inc. Cancer Facts & Figures 2007

  • Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
  • A clinical breast exam should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women age 40 and older.
  • Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.

The American Cancer Society recommends that some women—because of family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors—be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. (The number of women who fall into this category is less than 2 percent of all the women in the United States.) Women should talk with their doctor about their history and whether they should have an MRI. They may also call the
American Cancer Society for more information at 800.ACS.2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ped/ped_20_BCA.asp

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  • 1All women can get breast cancer - even those who have no family history of the disease.
  • 2Two important factors that make you more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer are being a woman and growing older.
  • 3Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. If you are a woman age 40 or older, get a mammogram every year.
  • 4You can help reduce your chances of developing breast cancer by engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake. Also, if you notice any breast changes, tell your doctor without delay.
  • 5Through early detection and improved treatments, more women than ever are surviving breast cancer.

For more information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer web site.

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