FACT: The majority of women with breast cancer have no significant family history or other risk factors for the disease.   FACT: Skin cancers are the most common type of malignancy among Americans. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among women, with breast cancer number two.   FACT: More woman die each year from heart disease by a 12 to 1 margin than die from breast cancer.   FACT: When detected at its earliest stage, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 97%, leading some authorities to consider the most common type of breast cancer curable.

Here are some things you can do:

• Stay informed: Trends in detection, treatment, and prognosis are changing as the result of increased attention from researchers, the media, funding and awareness groups, and the individual efforts of women.

 
• Perform Monthly Breast Self Examinations: Most breast changes are detected by women in their own breasts and most of these changes are benign.

 
• Follow Mammogram Recommendations: Talk to your doctor about the appropriate schedule of mammography for you. Don’t shy away from seeing your doctor if you detect a change in your breasts – about 90% of all “suspicious lumps” that are biopsied are found to be benign.