Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 6, Number 8, September/October 2000
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. During the year 2000 in the United States, it is estimated that 183,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and nearly 41,000 women will die from the disease. Early detection is the best weapon in the fight against breast cancer since early detection leads to early diagnosis. Ninety percent of women whose breast cancers are detected and treated early can expect to be disease free after 5 years. The American Cancer Society recommends that women younger than 40 perform breast self examinations (BSE) every month and have breast examinations by a physician every 3 years. Recent surveys among nonmilitary women in the US have found discordances between their knowledge and practices regarding the early detection of breast cancer. For example, while their knowledge of BSE is high, as high as 92% in some surveys, their practice of BSE is low, ranging from 20% to 40%. This study was designed to document rates of malignant breast cancer diagnoses among female active duty soldiers, more than 90% of whom are younger than 40 years old, and to assess practices of female soldiers in regard to self- and physician conducted breast examinations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA496953
Entities
People
- John Brundage
- Kimmie F. Kohlhase
- Loren Erickson
- Mark V Rubertone
- Yvette E. Smith
Organizations
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center