Ann is upbeat and smiling. She goes out of her way to help other departments. Her attitude and work ethic make her a worthy recipient of this award. But there is growing reason for optimism. The disease is being detected at earlier, more curable stages, and there is an increasing variety of treatment options.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among American women.
Expert's estimate that of the women who live to be 85, one in nine will get the disease at some point in her life. Over 44,000 women die annually of the disease. Only lung cancer causes more cancer deaths among women. The greatest risk factor for developing breast cancer is being female. A prior history of the disease increases the risk, as well.