What are my chances of developing breast cancer?

About one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer sometime during her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This statement is based on estimated national cancer rates from 1997 through 1999.

This does not mean that women have a one-in-eight chance of developing breast cancer at any given point in their lives. The risk rises with age. The chance of developing the disease at different ages is:

From age 30 to 40 ... 1 out of 252
From age 40 to 50 ... 1 out of 68
From age 50 to 60 ... 1 out of 35
From age 60 to 70 ... 1 out of 27
Ever ... 1 out of 8

Breast cancer risk also varies among different ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic whites, Hawaiians, and African-Americans have the highest levels of the disease, while other Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics have lower levels. Korean and Vietnamese women have the lowest levels.

A woman's risk of breast cancer also may depend on family history of the disease, reproductive history, and other factors that are not yet fully understood.

The NCI is making special efforts to understand and reduce higher rates of breast cancer among certain groups through research, clinical trials (research studies with people), screening programs, rehabilitation, and community education efforts.

For more information about breast cancer, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or visit the NCI website.

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