Beating Breast Cancer Through Early Diagnosis

A group of diverse women dressed in pink.

BREAST CANCER BY THE NUMBERS

  • 264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually
  • 42,000 women die of breast cancer each year
  • 98% are still alive five years after diagnosis when the cancer is caught in an early stage

RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER

  • Age: Being older than 40
  • Genetics: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer
  • Exercise: Not being physically active
  • Hormones: Taking them for more than five years during menopause
  • Breast Type: Having dense breasts
  • Lifestyle: Drinking alcohol

Ask your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and if you should start getting mammograms at age 40.

THREE FAST FACTS ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS

  1. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that looks at your breast tissue for any abnormalities that can't be felt.
  2. A screening mammogram takes about 20 minutes. You may feel squeezing or pinching, but it only last for a few seconds.
  3. You have the greatest chance at survival if breast cancer is found early. Mammograms are the best tool for early detection of cancer that can't be seen or felt.

Experts have different recommendations about how often to get mammograms. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best screening schedule for you.

 

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