The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 217,440 new cases of breast cancer will have been diagnosed in the United States in the year 2004 and approximately 40,580 patients will die of this disease. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in the United States and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death. The incidence of breast cancer has increased steadily in the United States over the past few decades, but breast cancer mortality appears to be declining. This suggests a benefit from early detection and more effective treatment.
For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org