200,000 diagnosed with breast cancer each year

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die each year. In fact, the American Cancer Society has estimated 192,370 new cases of breast cancer, and 40,170 breast cancer deaths in the U.S. for 2009. Statistics also show that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Lung cancer is first; colorectal cancer is third.

Breast cancer screening can be done different ways – self breast exam, clinical breast exam (a healthcare provider performs the exam), mammography, MRI, ultrasound – all for the purpose of detecting abnormalities which may indicate pre-cancer or cancer. The idea behind screenings is to detect a potential cancerous growth early enough that treatment is successful.

Women ages 20 and above should consult with their doctor about which breast cancer screenings are right for them based on age.

More information about breast cancer and screening guidelines can also be found at the American Cancer Society Website by following this link.