According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 175,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer for women in 1999, and 1300 cases for men. Over 43,000 breast cancer deaths will occur in 1999, not far below the total death count for Americans during the entire 12 years of the Vietnam war. All women are at risk, and 1 in 9 will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.
Early detection is the key to survival.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women over 40 should have annual mammograms, annual clinical examinations, and do monthly self-exams. Even with early detection, a diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating news. The diagnosis of breast cancer means addressing serious questions about treatment options. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, I knew very little about it. I knew a handful of people who had survived, or died, from breast cancer.