In 2006 alone, it is estimated that 212,920 women and 1,720 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. In Oklahoma, 2,820 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 540 of our state's women will die of the disease. Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer among American women and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths. If found early, survival rates increase dramatically.
Until there is a cure, early detection of breast cancer is our greatest weapon in the fight against this disease. Early detection consists of three important steps:
1. Beginning at age 20, every woman should perform a monthly breast self-examination and should report any change to her healthcare provider.
2. You should have regular clinical breast examinations by your healthcare provider.
3. Beginning at age 40, you should have a screening mammogram each and every year. If you are under 40, discuss any concerns or family history of breast cancer with your healthcare provider, who will advise you about when to begin having mammograms.
Sources of Information:
American Cancer Society and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.