A. Breast cancer is of great concern to women of all ages. One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
Statistically it has been found that married women, women living in urban areas and women living in the northern states have a higher incidence of breast cancer. Women will have an increased risk of developing breast cancer as they age if there is a history of breast cancer in the immediate family, if they began menstruation before age 12, if they begin menopause after age 55 or if they have not given birth. The key to fighting breast cancer is prevention and early detection, since 90 percent of all breast lumps are found by women or their sexual partners. Monthly breast self-exam is encouraged for all women over age 20 and a screening mammography is recommended by age 40. Women ages 40-49 should have a mammogram every one to two years depending on their personal history and mammographic findings.