According to a report from the American Cancer Society, there has been a 39% drop in breast cancer deaths between 1989 and 2015. At the same time, the organization found that white women were 39% more likely to survive breast cancer than African-American women. If the Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2017-2018 report is any indication, the trend is a constant one. Several explanations for it have been proposed, which should interest anyone in New York who has or knows someone who has this condition.

While it may be rare in New York and across the U.S., some men are at risk for getting breast cancer. In fact, both men and women have the identical risk factors, which include age and the presence of genetic mutations. The National Cancer Institute states that men who are between the ages of 60 and 70 are more likely to develop the disease. Also, men who have a history of the disease in their family have an increased chance of getting breast cancer.

New York women who are concerned about receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer may be overwhelmed about the amount of information they will receive. However, understanding the diagnosis and treatment processes can help.

When New York doctors suspect that their patients might have cancer, there are certain steps they need to take before they can make a formal diagnosis. For example, a doctor may ask for family medical history, perform a physical exam and order lab tests to get started. If the lab test results are abnormal, the doctor may then order imaging tests or even a biopsy.