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The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year, over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.

If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.

The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.

This blog tells about diagnosis, treatment choices by stage, breast reconstruction, and follow-up care. It also describes how to take part in research studies. Learning about medical care for breast cancer can help you take an active part in making choices about your care.

Many people find it helpful to take a list of questions to a doctor visit. To help remember what your doctor says, you may want to take notes. You may also want to have a family member or friend go with you when you talk with the doctor--to take notes, ask questions, or just listen. r