Birmingham Free Clinic

• Breast cancer occurs when there are abnormal changes in the cells of the breast causing them to grow out of control.

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, which is a 13% lifetime risk of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the US and the first leading cause of cancer death among women globally.

 The overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 90%.

Breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1990 thanks to early detection, better screening, increased awareness, and new treatment options

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• FAMILY HISTORY

  • ​A woman whose mother, sister, aunt, or daughter has had breast cancer is more likely to get it. This is why screening is important. It is also important to know that breast cancer can be inherited from the paternal side of the family

• AGE

  • ​As women get older, they are more at risk for breast cancer. Teens — as well as women in their twenties and thirties — are less likely to get breast cancer

• LIFESTYLE

  • ​Women who smoke, eat high-fat diets, drink alcohol, and don't get enough exercise may be more at risk for developing breast cancer.

• GENETIC MUTATIONS

  • ​Women who have inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.