By: Connie Masak, APNP
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the US. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women. Only Lung Cancer kills more women each year.
But there is hope! When caught in its early stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. There are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the US. Chances are you know at least one of them!
Breast Cancer Stats and Facts (US):
- In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 2800 cases will be diagnosed in men
- 1 in 8 women or approximately 13% of the female population will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
- On average every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer
- Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage when it is easier to treat.
Breast Cancer Stats by Age:
- The average age of breast cancer diagnosis is 62
- About 9% of all new breast cancer cases in the US are diagnosed in women younger than 45
- Women under the age of 35 who are diagnosed with breast cancer face a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence
Breast Cancer Risk Factors:
- #1 Risk is being a woman or a female assigned at birth
- Your risk of breast cancer goes up as you get older
- Women with a family history of breast cancer in a first degree relative ( mom, sister, daughter) are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer themselves
- 5% – 10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary
- Women who have had breast cancer are 3 – 4x more likely to develop a new cancer in the opposite breast or in a different part of the same breast
- White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than Black, Hispanic or Asian women. However, Black women are more likely to develop more aggressive, more advanced-stage breast cancer diagnosed at an earlier age
- Being overweight, especially post menopause will increase your risk
- Never giving birth or being older at the birth of your first child
- Using Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Having a first period before age 12
- Drinking alcoholic beverages of any type increase a woman’s risk of hormone receptor positive breast cancer
- Breastfeeding can lower your risk of breast cancer, especially if you breastfeed for longer than 1 year
- Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer
- Smoking is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in younger, pre-menopausal women
- New studies suggest that low Vitamin D levels may increase the risk of developing breast cancer
Breast Cancer Symptoms:
- A new lump in the breast or in the armpit
- Thickening or swelling of a part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of the skin
- Red or flakey skin in the nipple area
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple
- Any nipple discharge other than milky
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast
- Breast pain not associated with recent injury to the breast
If you experience any changes in your breasts or nipples, please contact your Health Care Provider or call our office at 920-749-4000
Mammogram screening is recommended yearly starting at age 40. If there is a family history of breast cancer you may start screening earlier and/or you may be referred for Genetic Counseling.
As of September 10, 2024 the FDA requires that all Mammogram reports that are sent to patients MUST include breast density. If your Mammogram shows dense breasts be sure to discuss addition screening with your Health Care Provider.