October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  In 2011, it is estimated that:

• There will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors).
• There will be 57,650 new cases of in situ breast cancer (includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), of those, about 85 percent were DCIS). DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a risk factor that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about DCIS and breast cancer risk. Learn more about LCIS and breast cancer risk.
• There will be 39,520 breast cancer deaths

The risk factors for invasive breast cancer include:

• Family history: If your mother, sister, or daughter has been diagnosed, your risk is increased. The risk is greater if she was diagnosed before the age of 50
• Previous breast biopsy, even if the results were normal
• First live birth after age 30, or never giving birth
• First period before age 12
• Age: 2 out of 3 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer are age 55 or older
• Increased breast density

So, how do you know if you will be susceptible to breast cancer?  Here’s an article, “Do You Have Good Breast Health” that will give you some answers!