Women get breast cancer when cells in the breast don't grow right, and a tumor forms. Getting a mammogram (x-ray of the breast) can help find the cancer earlier, which gives women more treatment options and improves chances for survival. Except for African Americans 20-24 years old, African American women are more likely than White women to get breast cancer before age 40. However, they are less likely than White women to get breast cancer after age 40.

*African American women are more likely than White women to die from breast cancer. Researchers are trying to find out why this happens. Some reasons may be that tumors are found at a later (more advanced) stage so there are less treatment options, or patients don't follow-up after getting abnormal test results. Other reasons might include being overweight or not being able to get a mammography.

*We do not know how to prevent breast cancer. There are things women can do to reduce their risk, such as limiting how much alcohol they drink. However, it's vital for women to take steps to find breast cancer if they have it:
oWomen aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
oWomen should perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month.

*The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) program provides free or low-cost breast cancer testing to women who don't have health insurance. Non-profit organizations and local health clinics are the main groups who provide the tests. To learn more about this program, please contact the CDC at 1-888-842-6355 or look on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/cancer

Publications

1. Breast Cancer Resource Guide for Minority Women - The Office of Minority Health Resource Center has complied a list of organizations, documents, journals articles and other resources relevant to people affected by breast cancer including patients, health professionals, students and researchers.

2. Cancer Facts - Screening Mammograms: Questions and Answers - This fact sheet explains screening mammograms as they differ from diagnostic mammograms and explains in clear language the benefits and limitations of screening mammography. This also gives National Cancer Institute's recommendations for when a woman should begin and how frequently she should continue having screening mammograms.

3. Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for all Women - This booklet explains how doctors distinguish breast lumps and other normal breast changes that often occur and are confused with breast cancer. It provides some information on prophylactic mastectomy.

4. What you need to Know About Mammograms and Breast Cancer - This fact sheet provides general information regarding the benefits of mammography and early detection as well as the latest recommendations as to who should have a mammogram.

5. What You Need To Know About™ Breast Cancer - Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. More than 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has written this booklet to help patients with breast cancer and their families and friends better understand this disease.

Organizations

1. American Cancer Society

2. Celebrating Life Foundation

3. National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, NCCDPHP, CDC

4. National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS

5. Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS

6. Sisters Network Inc - National Headquarters

7. Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation