Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

In 2009, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States.

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8.

Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.

* facts provided by the American Cancer Society.

To learn more statistics, including those for different ethnic groups, visit the American Cancer Society.