What a person eats has not been confirmed yet as a risk factor for breast cancer. In a recent survey of 854 women, Opinion Research Corporation found only 30 percent of women get annual mammograms. Concern over breast cancer is greatest among women in their 40's and 50's. What is interesting is that women in their 60's are a higher risk, yet appear to be less informed of the risk and less concerned about it. More than three-fourths of the breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer on women, so it is worth attention and discussion.
More than 178,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, many of them because women have found a lump in a self-exam or normal movements, such as while taking a shower. Because of the age factor, even older women should be aware of changes in their bodies. It is encouraging that treatment of breast cancer has improved dramatically over the last 10 years. Another new treatment was just approved in September. With early detection and prompt treatment, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent.