Breast Cancer Facts and Figures

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women

The risk of breast cancer increases with age and if you live to 90 years your risk of developing this cancer is almost 14%

1.7 million breast cancers were diagnosed worldwide in 2007

465,000 (approx.) women died due to breast cancer in 2007

North America, Australia, Europe have the highest incidence of breast cancer

Large parts of Africa and Asia have the lowest rates

In the last 25 years it incidence has gone up by 30% in the western world

Increased risk of developing breast cancer include -

• Start of menstrual period at an early age
• Menopause later in life
• Having a first or second degree relative with breast cancer
• Obesity
• Consumption of alcohol
• Never having children
• Using contraceptives
• Using hormone replacement therapy during post-menopausal years
• Certain inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2)

Decreased Breast cancer Risk -

• Breast feeding
• Moderate Physical activity
• Maintaining normal weight
• Stop smoking

Breast cancer can be prevented by screening

Early treatment can increase chances of 5 years survival to 98%

Women with a BRCA mutation who get their ovaries surgically removed can reduce their risk of breast cancer by over 50%.

A study from North Carolina State University indicated that Women who performed the act of fellatio and swallow semen regularly (one to two times a week) may reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 40 percent!