Monday, June 4, 2007

Important Facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about 1 in 8 (13% of women). It is estimated that in 2007 about 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States. At this time there are slightly over 2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Women living in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world.
In addition to invasive breast cancer, carcinoma in situ (CIS) will account for about 62,030 new cases in 2007. CIS is noninvasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer. Breast cancer also occurs in men. An estimated 2,030 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2007.
Breast cancer incidence rates showed a rapid increase in the 1980s, although the rate of increase slowed in the 1990s, compared to the 1980s. In the years from 2001 to 2003, incidence rates decreased.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 33 (3%). In 2007, about 40,460 women and 450 men will die from breast cancer in the United States. Death rates from breast cancer continue to decline, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.

Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure and the generous support of people like you, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths. This year in the United States, 178,480 women and 2,030 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and 40,460 women and 450 men will die from the disease. When breast cancer is found early (and confined to the breast), your chances for survival are the greatest.