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Breast Cancer: An Issue for Every Woman

General Information About Breast Cancer

All women are at risk for breast cancer. As women age, the risk increases.

Florida is estimated to have 12,000 new breast cancer cases and 2,700 breast cancer deaths in the year 2000. Of cancer deaths, only lung cancer deaths exceed breast cancer deaths for women in Florida.

The most frustrating fact about breast cancer is that we don't know what causes it.

Things you can do for yourself

  • Learn to do a self-breast examination.
  • All women should perform a monthly self-breast examination.
  • Get a baseline mammogram at age 40 and yearly thereafter.
  • Encourage family and friends to get annual mammograms and do self-breast exams.

Facts about Mammography

  • All insurance including Medicare covers annual mammograms.
  • Mammography is simple and may save your life.
  • Mammography is two pictures of each breast: one from the top and one from the side. The breasts are placed between plastic plates and flattened slightly to get a clear picture. The amount of radiation produced by mammography is extremely low.
  • Mammography is the most effective way to find breast cancer at its earliest stages.
  • Beginning at age 40, women should have a mammogram every year.

Risk Factors Include:

  • Personal History. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get it again.
  • Family History. The risk of developing breast cancer increases if your mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives (such as cousins) have a history of breast cancer - especially at a young age.
  • Genetic Factors: Gene testing can show whether a woman has specific genetic factors known to increase the liklihood of breast cancer.
  • Late Childbearing/Fewer Children. Women who have their first baby after age 30 have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Get Peace of Mind! Schedule your exam now.

By age 50, 1 out of 50 women (2%) gets breast cancer.

By age 80, 5 out of 50 women (10%) get breast cancer.

To learn more about the Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program call toll free 1-800-451-2229 and/or review the eligibility requirements.

To learn more about breast cancer, contact the following organizations:

National Cancer Institute
1-800-4-CANCER
www.nci.nih.govOpens in new window

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.orgOpens in new window

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
1-800-719-9154
www.nabco.orgOpens in new window