About Breast Cancer Thanks to earlier detection, the death rate for breast cancer has been dropping for more than a decade. And new treatments and techniques mean w men have more options than ever before. First, more women are aware of the need for early detection, so they are performing self-exams, getting annual exams from their doctors and having annual mammograms if they're older than 40. Mammograms are becoming more sensitive, making it easier for radiologists t view possible tumors.
Doctors often use ultrasound to further evaluate a suspicious area before turning to a biopsy.
All this early detection means women and their doctors are discovering cancer sooner, when the tumor is smaller and less likely to have spread. Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer go on to lead full lives. In fact, breast cancer has a survival rate of greater than 90 percent when it's detected early. This site is maintained by CHW Bay Area. All rights reserved.