Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer.
It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be about 182,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the year 2000. Fortunately, deaths from breast cancer have declined significantly, which is though to be due to better detection and improved treatment. Screening by breast exam and regular mammogram as recommended greatly increases the chance of early diagnosis and is important for women of all ages. Once a breast cancer is diagnosed, the focus of care depends on the stage of disease and the personal goals of the individual.