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Education & Resources

One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. It is the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer, and is the leading cause of death among young women.*

Yet millions of breast cancer survivors stand as proof to the progress being made. While in the past a breast cancer diagnosis meant certain death, today early diagnosis and treatment can mean extended life. It is this mission — early diagnosis and treatment — that is the heart of Oklahoma Project Woman. Our program is a collaborative effort linking Oklahoma breast healthcare institutions to women who, because of financial hardship, often delay seeking medical attention.

Recommended Screening Guidelines

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends the following screening guidelines:

  • Mammograms every year starting at age 40.
  • Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns talk with a health care provider. Screening tests may be needed more often and/or started earlier.
  • Clinical breast exams by a health care provider at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year after 40.
  • Breast self-exams every month starting by age 20.

American Cancer Society® recommends:

  • Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
  • Clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of periodic health exams, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
  • Women know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
  • Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) get an MRI and a mammogram every year.
  • Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram; yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.

*Facing the Facts about Breast Cancer (Presented by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 2007)