Articles | Links | BGH Library

Making Strides Every Day - How Women Are Beating Breast Cancer
Source: American Cancer Society, October 2002

Every three minutes, a woman in the United States learns she has breast cancer. Yet thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, more women than ever are conquering the disease. Breast cancer death rates have declined significantly from 1992 to 1998, with the largest decrease in young women.

"Women increasingly have the knowledge they need to address their personal risk for breast cancer and take the right steps to avoid it or survive it," said Robert Smith, PhD, director of cancer screening at the American Cancer Society. "Early detection has played a big role in reducing the death rate."

Three Steps to Breast Health
Because every woman is at risk for breast cancer, early detection practices are vitally important. The American Cancer Society recommends women take these three steps:

• Mammogram - An x-ray of the breast annually starting at age 40
• Clinical breast examination - A breast examination done by a health care professional every three years for women ages 20-39 and every year starting at age 40
• Breast self-examination - A thorough, monthly exam beginning at age 20

Women at an increased risk - those with a personal or family history of breast cancer - should talk with their doctor about the screening plan that's right for them.

Breakthroughs on the Horizon
While some recent news reports have questioned the effectiveness of mammograms, all major medical and public health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Cancer Society, agree that mammograms are essential for saving lives.

"Regular mammograms are an important part of preventive care for women ages 40 and older since their effectiveness in finding breast cancer early is well-established," Smith said. "Although mammography won't benefit all women, it can detect 80-90% of breast cancers in women without symptoms."

Researchers continue to investigate better ways to stop breast cancer early - or even prevent it altogether. Discovery of the breast cancer gene and the development of drugs like tamoxifen and Herceptin, which both help to hinder cancer cell growth, are among recent advances. New areas of study include gene therapy and therapeutic vaccines.

Healthy Living Makes a Difference
As our understanding of breast cancer evolves, so does information about risk factors. It’s still unknown exactly what causes breast cancer, but we do know that a woman’s best strategy for decreasing her risk includes regular physical activity, minimizing alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The more you know about breast cancer, your risk, and ways to detect it early, the better you can protect yourself. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.