By the age of 30, approximately one out of every 2,525 women will develop breast cancer. By the time a woman reaches her 80th birthday, the likelihood is about 1 in 8. Early detection of breast cancer can increase the five-year survival rate to over 95 percent.

The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but women should be aware of the following known risk factors:

• A family history of breast cancer diagnosis
• First pregnancy after the age of 30, or no pregnancies
• Menstruation before the age of 12
• Late onset of menopause
• Obesity
• Previous personal history of breast cancer

Despite these factors, most women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease and have no other specific risks. Most breast masses are benign, but all should be evaluated.

It is recommended that women perform a regular breast self-exam and have an annual clinical exam by a physician.