In the United States, a new case of breast cancer is expected to be diagnosed every three minutes and every 13 minutes, one woman will die from breast cancer.

Estimates for breast cancer in the United States in 2009:

New Cases: 192,370 (female); 1,910 (male)
Deaths: 40,170 (female); 440 (male)

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for all women and the leading overall cause of cancer death in women between the ages of 20 and 59.

According to the American Cancer Society 2009 data, annual mortality rates have been declining since 1990 by 3.2% in those under age 50 and by 2.0% in those age 50 and older. The descending rates are most likely due to earlier detection through mammography and improved treatment.

The first sign of breast cancer is usually detected by mammogram not self examination and long before other symptoms are present.

Breast cancer risk increases with age.

The risk of developing breast cancer is higher for women whose mother, sister, daughter or at least two relatives have a history of breast cancer.

Two genes identified as tumor suppressors have been linked to the regulation of cell growth in the breast. Those with a mutation of the BRCA1 or BRAC2 genes inherit a higher risk for breast cancer.

The hormone estrogen may also play a key role in the risk of breast cancer. Events such as an early first menstrual cycle, a first pregnancy after the age of 25 to 35, or Hormone Replacement Therapy in women who have never borne children can cause estrogen changes that are linked to increased risk.

80% of all breast tumors are benign.

96% of women who are treated for breast cancer will remain cancer-free after five years.

The outlook for survival is relatively the same for men and women with the same stage breast cancer.

Several dietary choices can be made to help reduce the risk of breast cancer including decreased daily fat intake (especially saturated and hydrogenated), increased fiber intake, and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Lifestyle changes such as limiting alcohol consumption, staying active and avoiding smoking also contribute to lower risk.

You are never too young to develop breast cancer! Breast self examination should begin by the age of twenty.