One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, according to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — James. And although it’s the second most diagnosed cancer in women behind skin cancer — more than 230,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed every year — “the five-year survival rate is more than 90 percent for breast cancers detected early thanks to enhanced screening and prevention methods as well as new, individualized and targeted therapies …”

The OSUCCC — James Cancer Network, of which Wilmington’s CMH Regional Health System is a member, offers up these additional key facts and numbers:

• Although breast cancer is diagnosed more often in older women, it does occur in younger women and in men (men, however, account for less than one percent of all breast cancers). About 75 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are in women age 50 and older.

• The risk of developing breast cancer also increases with age. While a family history of breast cancer may increase the risk, it’s important to note that only 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers are the result of inherited genetic factors.

• Breast cancers can be found on a mammogram or by a physical examination by either the patient or the doctor. Not all breast cancers are detected by self-exam or mammogram, but regular screenings greatly increase the chances of early detection, successful treatment and cure.

Be proactive to prevent breast cancer or to detect it early. Consult with your doctor. And educate yourself as much as possible.

To learn more, you can visit many informative websites, including The OSUCCC — James at http://cancer.osu.edu/ or the Foster J. Boyd Regional Cancer Center in Wilmington’s site at http://www.cmhregional.com/service_cancer.html.