Learn the Facts

· Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.*

· 1 out of 7 women in the US will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

· In 2006, 212,920 women in the US diagnosed will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,970 women will die from the disease.

· Being a woman is the number one risk factor for breast cancer. Your breast cancer risk increases as you get older.

· In 2006, approximately 570 women in Delaware will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 110 will die from the disease. 

· When breast cancer is found early (within the breast), your chance for survival is the greatest.

· For the first time in at least five years, Delaware’s breast cancer incidence rates have fallen below the average incidence rates for the US. However, our mortality rate is still higher than the US average.

· Although breast cancer is more common in women over the age of 40, younger women can also develop the disease.

· In 2005, approximately 11,110 women under the age of 40 were diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 1,110 died from breast cancer.

· In 2006, approximately 1,720 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US, and 460 will die from the disease. Breast cancer in men accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers.  

*excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Recommended Screenings

? Do BSE (Breast Self Exam) each month starting by the age of 20.

· Get to know your breasts. Report any changes to your health care provider.

� Have a Clinical Breast Exam by your doctor or nurse at least every 3 years starting at the age of 20,and every year after the age of 40.

? Have a Mammogram (breast x-ray) every year starting at the age of 40.

· If you have breast cancer in your family or are worried about your breasts, talk to your health care provider.