1996, it is estimated that more than 184,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed among women in the United States, and an estimated 44,300 women died.

In Illinois, over 8,000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 2,000 Illinois women die annually from breast cancer.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death behind lung cancer, and breast cancer is the single leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 49.

According to the most recent data, mortality rates are falling for Caucasians, but not for African Americans. This may be because of a lack of access to screening procedures and/or improved treatment.

Breast cancer risk increases with age. Other risk factors include a personal or family history of breast cancer, early age at menarche, late age at menopause, never having children or late age at first live birth. The majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do NOT have a family history of the disease.

Risk factors appear to be more useful in providing clues to the development of this cancer than in identifying prevention strategies. Because adult women may not be able to alter their personal risk factors in any practical sense, the best current opportunity for reducing mortality is through early detection.

Most leading cancer organizations recommend that women begin annual screening mammography at the age of 40. In addition, a clinical breast exam performed by a health professional is recommended every three years for women age 20 to 40 and every year for women above 40. Monthly breast self examination (BSE) is recommended as a routine good health habit for women age 20 and older.

Seventy-five percent of Illinois women reported ever having a mammogram in 1994 (the latest year for statistics), while only 53 percent of Illinois women over age 50 reported ever having a mammogram for that same year.