What Do You Know About Breast Cancer?

Nearly 4 million U.S. women with a history of the disease are alive today, mainly because of early detection. The 5-year survival rate is 99% if the cancer is found before it spreads.

Breast cancer is more common in women older than age 55. But women of any age can develop this disease.

Most breast lumps are not cancer. But it's important to see a healthcare provider about any changes you notice in your breasts. You may need testing to be sure that you don't have cancer.

Deodorant can make the X-ray hard to read. Don't use any deodorants, antiperspirants, lotions, creams, perfumes, or powders under your arms or on your breasts that day.

Studies have clearly linked drinking to an increased risk for breast cancer. Having 1 drink a day may cause a small increased risk. Having 2 to 3 drinks a day puts a woman at about 20% higher risk than women who drink no alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk. It's best not to drink alcohol. Women who drink should limit themselves to 1 drink per day.

The risk for breast cancer is slightly higher for women who have children later in life or who have never had children. Research has suggested that breastfeeding for longer than a year may slightly decrease breast cancer risk.

Some studies have shown that long-term heavy smoking can increase breast cancer risk.

More than 1 type of treatment is often needed.

Mammograms are an important tool for finding breast cancer early. This is when it's small, hasn't spread, and is easiest to treat. But the benefits and limits of mammograms vary based on factors like age and personal risk. Experts have different recommendations for breast cancer screening with mammograms. Currently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening every 2 years for women ages 50 to 74. The task force says women ages 40 to 49 should speak with their healthcare provider about whether they should start screening mammograms and how often to get them. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends yearly screening for women ages 45 to 54, then a choice of screening every 1 or 2 years for women ages 55 and older. They also suggest that women age 40 to 44 should talk with their provider about the option to start yearly mammograms depending on their risk.

The ACS says women who have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer have nearly double the risk. A family history of ovarian cancer, and maybe pancreatic or prostate cancer, is also linked to a higher risk.

Studies have shown that long-term (more than 4 years) use of combined estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy (HT) increases the risk for breast cancer. HT may also increase the risk for heart disease, blood clots, and strokes. The risk for breast cancer drops back to normal within 5 years after a woman stops HT. Taking estrogen alone does not seem to increase the risk for breast cancer. But if HT is needed, it's best to use it at the lowest dose needed to control menopause symptoms. And it's best to use it for as short a time as possible.

Studies show that exercise reduces the risk, especially after menopause. But how much exercise is not known. The ACS recommends adults get 150 to 300 minutes of medium intensity exercise per week.

Lung cancer kills more American women every year. There are things you can do to help prevent both of these cancers, as well as find them early, when they're easier to treat. Talk with your healthcare provider about your cancer risk and what you can do to reduce it.