Public Health Scene

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. This year, nearly 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. And about 40,000 women will die from the disease.

Who is at risk and what are the risk factors?

According to Kristin Anderson, a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, and alcohol are all risk factors.

She said that women 40 and older without a family history should have annual or biannual screenings. Women with a family history should consult their physician. Mammograms, Anderson adds, have been shown to reduce mortality.

• Listen to Anderson on our Public Health Moment podcast