1. Breast cancer death rates have dropped 34% since 1990. http://online.wsj.com/articles/hormone-suppressor-seen-helping-some-breast-cancer-patients-1401472339?tesla=y&mg=reno64-wsj
2. Operations are far less frightening, far less disfiguring and just as effective. Radical mastectomies are done far less frequently. Lumpectomy, removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue with a few lymph nodes, has been proven just as effective for early-stage breast cancer. Physicians have also discovered the size of the tumor and condition of the nodes can be analyzed to minimize surgery. Outsmarting Breast Cancer http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/09/outsmarting-breast-cancer-with-evolving-therapies/?module=Search&mabReward=relbias:r,{
3. Treatment is now more individualized. The molecular nature of a tumor can be analyzed so that postoperative drug treatments are specifically prescribed. With the availability of more comprehensive human genome data, clinicians can rapidly and inexpensively sequence an individual patient's tumors. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayo.edu/research/forefront/directors-message-individualizing-cancer-treatment
4. It's been discovered that adding hormone-suppressing shots to some chemotherapy patients can reduce the risk of ovarian failure. This increases functionality and potentially boosts survival rates. Ovarian function is very desirable, including after menopause. Hormone Suppressor Seen Helping Some Breast Cancer Patients http://online.wsj.com/articles/hormone-suppressor-seen-helping-some-breast-cancer-patients-1401472339?tesla=y&mg=reno64-wsj
5. Women with lymphedema after surgery do not have to give up exercise. Former concerns about exercise are unfounded. "Exercise will not prevent, cause or worsen lymphedema for people with, or at risk of the condition," according to a large British study. "Exercise can help maintain or improve health for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer." Don't be Put Off From Exercise. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/279114.php
6. New types of 3-D mammography are being used and they promise to be more effective, avoiding unnecessary false alarms. Test Appears to Improve Breast Cancer Detection. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/25/health/breast-cancer-3d-mammography-test-x-ray.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%&_r=0
7. After a mastectomy and even breast reconstruction, a breast looks oddly blank. The look of a nipple can be created by a specifically trained tattoo artist. These nipples are apparently more realistic looking than those achieved by surgeons. A Tattoo That Completes a New Breast. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/a-tattoo-that-completes-a-new-breast/?module=Search&mabReward=relbias:r,{
Note: You're probably aware of the controversy about the best age to begin having mammograms. Guidelines now say first routine mammogram at 50 instead of 40. It's wise to remember your family history, your own body and habits should overrule arbitrary guidelines.