2007 Breast Cancer Statistics

• Approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime¹. 

• Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, accounting for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in U.S. women.

• It is estimated that there will be 7,030 new female breast cancer cases in the state of Illinois in 2007. It is also estimated that approximately 1,740 women will die of breast cancer in Illinois in 2007.

• In 2007, approximately 178,480 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among American women. About 2,030 cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among men in 2007.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality (after lung cancer), representing 15% of all female cancer deaths. In 2007, 40,910 women are expected to die from breast cancer in the U.S. Mortality rates declined by 2.3% per year from 1990 to 2002 in all women, with larger decreases in those under 50 years of age. These decreases are most likely the result of earlier detection and improved treatment.

• The overall 5-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 88% and the overall 10-year survival rate is 80%. When breast cancer is diagnosed early (Stage I) the 5-year survival rate for women is 98%.

• White women have the highest overall rate of breast cancer incidence among American racial groups. However, African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age, with an expected national death rate in 2007 to be 34.4 deaths per 100,000 women versus 25.4 deaths per 100,000 for White women.

• A lack of health insurance is associated with lower survival among breast cancer patients. Breast cancer patients with lower incomes are more likely than higher income patients to be diagnosed with advanced stage of disease and to have lower 5-year survival rates.

• The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is being female. Some non-modifiable risk factors include age, certain inherited genetic mutations, & family history. Other risk factors include consumption of one or more alcoholic beverages per day, obesity after menopause, use of postmenopausal hormone therapy, and physical inactivity. Breastfeeding, moderate or vigorous physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight are associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.

• Approximately 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases result from inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These mutations occur in less than 1% of the population.

• The earliest sign of breast cancer is usually an abnormality detected on a mammogram before it can be felt by the woman or health professional. Larger tumors may become evident as a palpable lump, thickening, or distortion of the breast.

• Mammography is a valuable tool to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Y-ME recommends that women begin annual screening mammography at age 40. Data collected in 2002 indicated that only 61.5% of US women aged 40 and older had a mammogram within the past year.

• Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 and older. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) can also an important method for detecting breast cancer early and is most effective when performed at the same time each month.

• Women at increased risk for breast cancer (i.e. family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer) should talk with their health provider about benefits and limitations of early mammography, additional testing, and more frequent exams.

¹As a result of rounding to the nearest whole number, a small decrease in the lifetime risk (from 1 in 7.47 to 1 in 7.56) led to the change in the lifetime risk from 1 in 7 (in 2005) to 1 in 8 (in 2006).

Sources:
Cancer Facts & Figures 2007, American Cancer Society
Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2005-2006, American Cancer Society