Breast Cancer Facts
BREAST CANCER STATS + FACTS
In 2017, about 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women. Right now there are over 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and this number is always increasing. This number also includes women who are still being treated for cancer as well as women who have completed their treatment. While the survival rates continue to increase (due to improved treatments and a rise to screenings that find cancer earlier and therefore at a time where cancers are most treatable), there is still room for improvement in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and education. Education is as much armor as it is advocacy.
SYMPTOMS + SIGNS
The most common symptoms of breast cancer include:
Feeling a lump in the breast area, with or without pain
Change in breast shape or size
Dimple or puckering in breast
A nipple turning inward into the breast
Nipple discharge other than breast milk, especially if it is bloody
Scaly, red, darkened or swollen skin in the breast area
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Dimple, pitted appearance or feel (similar to an orange peel) in the breast area
Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes around the breast area, including the collarbone and armpits
[National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society]
INCREASED RISK
Factors that can elevate risk for breast cancer include but are certainly not limited to:
A personal or family history of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Inherited genetic predispositions, most commonly with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
Elevated lifetime estrogen exposure, including:
Early onset of menstruation (before age 11)
Late onset of menopause (after the age of 55)
Older age of first childbirth (after age of 30) or never having given birth
Taking estrogen and progesterone after menopause
Having dense breast tissue
Obesity
Prior radiation therapy to the chest area
Consuming alcohol, especially in excess of two drinks a day
Age: Two-third of invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older
Race and ethnicity: Caucasian women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but African-American women are more likely to die from this disease. African-American women are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age (under 45)
[National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society]