According to the American Cancer Society, all women are at risk for breast cancer, particularly as they age. Contrary to popular belief that breast cancer is a young woman's disease, the two primary risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,400 Wisconsin women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. Nearly 800 will die. It is important, however, to remember that a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.
Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer.
A mammogram can detect a lump in your breast years before it can be felt. And the smaller the lump, the less likely it is to have spread. But this is important year round to emphasize the importance of routine breast cancer screenings to increase the likelihood of early detection and improve the chance of successful treatment. The statewide campaign uses a number of venues to reach Wisconsin women, including local hair salons, elderly nutrition sites, pharmacies, churches and synagogues. Visitors to each of these sites receive information about breast cancer early detection, detection guidelines, and about scheduling a mammogram.