Pearson Benefits

This annual October campaign aims to increase awareness of this serious disease, the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2015. Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. In 2015, it is estimated that among men in the U.S., there will be 2,350 new cases of breast cancer and 440 deaths.

Early detection is working. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. Early detection and treatment advancements are working for more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Mammography guidelines have fluctuated over the past few years. Because family history, genetic tendencies and other factors can impact how often you should have a mammogram, it is always best to speak with your doctor about what is best for you.

Sources: American Cancer Society; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation