According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. In 1999, more than 43,000 woman in the United States will die from the disease. Identifying the Disease Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from cells of the breast. The disease occurs mostly in women, but does occur rarely in men.
Early detection is the key to survival.
Mammography is the best known method of early detection because it has the ability to detect breast cancers before they can be felt. It's also very important for women to perform monthly breast self-examinations and to have a yearly clinical breast examination by their physician. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Having a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer is an important risk factor. The risk is higher if the relative's cancer developed before menopause or if it affected both breasts.