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Breast Cancer Profiler Main
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Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, except for non-melanoma skin cancers. It continues to be a major health care problem in the US and worldwide. The lifetime risk of a US woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 8 and the risk increases with advancing age. Over 89% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in those age 45 and above (NCI SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2007). After increasing continuously for more than two decades, female breast cancer incidence rates have decreased by 2% per year from 1999-2006. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2010 an estimated 209,060 women will be newly diagnosed with cases of invasive breast cancer. Although uncommon, 1,970 men will also be diagnosed in 2010. Approximately 40,230 breast cancer deaths are expected in the U.S. in 2010. According to ACS 2010 data, mortality rates have been declining since 1990; by 3.2% per year in those under age 50 and by 2.0% in those age 50 and older. These decreases are most likely the results of earlier detection (mammography) and improved treatment (ACS Cancer Facts and Figures 2010). In situ (non-invasive) breast cancer occurs at much lower rates than invasive breast cancer. 54,010 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected during 2010 (ACS Cancer Facts and Figures 2010).Approximately 85% of these cases will be ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS. The increase in the number of DCIS cases is, again, the result of mammography screening that has facilitated the detection of these early breast cancers (stage 0) that might not otherwise have occurred. The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer has been improving, and has increased from 63% in the early 1960s to 90% at present. For localized breast cancer 98% of those diagnosed will be alive after 5 years. If the cancer has spread regionally (for example, to the axillary lymph nodes), however, the rate is 84%. For women with disease that has spread to other organs, the survival rate is 23%. (ACS Cancer Facts & Figures, 2010). Although there are no absolute methods of preventing breast cancer, tamoxifen and raloxifene have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer among high-risk women. Several modifiable risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of breast cancer, including being overweight or obese after menopause, use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause (particular combined estrogen and progesterone therapy), physical inactivity and drinking one or more alcoholic beverages a day. Breastfeeding, moderate or vigorous physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight seem to reduce the risk. Treatment for breast cancer continues to evolve and important advances are being achieved at a rapid pace providing patients with more choices and significant improvements in survival and quality of life. A thoughtful and careful discussion with your doctor and family will help you decide on the treatment option that is right for you based on your medical situation, treatment goal(s), and personal preferences.  This content is reviewed regularly. Last Updated 8/2/2010
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