Starting annual mammograms at age 40 saves lives.
The survival rate for women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
1 in 8 US women (about 12%) will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
Every 13 minutes breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. On average one woman will die of breast cancer.
Every 2 minutes a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer.
Up to 37 lives per day in the US are saved by mammograms – more than 13,000 lives per year.
Risks for Breast Cancer
The strongest risk factor is age. As women get older, breast cancer risk increases.
99% of all breast cancer cases occur in women.
Inherited changes in certain genes increase breast cancer risk.
Women with a close relative who has had breast cancer have a higher risk.
Women with more glandular and connective tissue as compared to fat in the breast are at higher risk.
Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
Women 40 and over should have a mammogram once a year.
All women should be aware of how to examine their breasts and report any changes to a health professional.
In addition to mammograms, women should have regular breast exams with their health care provider.
Overweight or obese women are at a higher risk.
Exercise helps control weight and may lower the risk of breast cancer.
Since 1990, mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly
For every 1,000 women who have a screening mammogram
100 are recalled for further screening
20 are recommended for biopsy
5 are recalled for further screening