Breast Cancer Facts: 7 Surprising Things You May Not Know About Breast Cancer by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Breast cancer awareness has a lot of people seeing pink this month, and with good reason. More than 250,000 women will be diagnosed this year, and most of us will know someone affected. While one in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, there are still many misconceptions that get in the way of an early diagnosis. Even though breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, here are seven surprising facts that you may not realize:

• It’s not all about the breast. Tissue from your collarbone to your armpit can be affected.

• Nine of out 10 women diagnosed have no family history.

• Eighty percent of lumps are benign.

• Less than 5 percent of breast cancers occur in women under the age of 40.

• Men get breast cancer too, and it can be deadly if not detected.

• It’s not just your genes – smoking, alcohol, extra weight and a lack of exercise can increase your odds of being diagnosed.

• The No. 1 risk factor is being a woman. 

Most women are worried about breast cancer, but oftentimes not for all the right reasons. If you’re concerned about your risk, get the facts from your provider, and put together a personal prevention plan while you’re at it!

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