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Breast cancer is a relatively common cancer, representing about 30% of all
cancers in women. In broad terms, treatment is successful in about 3 out of 4
patients in controlling or eliminating the cancer. In about one out of four,
the cancer proves fatal.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases steadily with increasing
age. It is rare among women under age 25 but affects nearly one in nine of
those women reaching age 90.
A number of factors are associated with an increased of developing breast
cancer, including:
Despite the increased risk, most (about 80%) of breast cancer occurs in
women not at increased risk for developing breast cancer. For that reason,
efforts at early detection are not focused just on those with somewhat
increased risks, but on all women. The primary strategy involves a three-armed
effort: Periodic (annual) professional breast examination, monthly self-breast
examination, and mammography at appropriate intervals.
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