The five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer has increased from 72 percent in the 1940s to 96 percent today. These encouraging facts underscore the importance of taking the steps outlined in the Steps to Early Detection section of this booklet. Men, in rare instances, also develop cancer in the area of the breast. Men should consult a health care professional if they notice any lumps in, or changes to, their breasts. Experts do not recommend routine screening exams for men.
All women are at risk of getting breast cancer.
While the greatest risk is to older women, women of all ages need to take steps to protect themselves. Anything that increases a person s chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Some of the risk factors can be avoided, but most cannot, like age, for example. Those risk factors that can be avoided include use of alcohol, smoking, a high fat diet and body weight. Alcohol is clearly linked to increased risk of developing breast cancer.