Finally, Marriage Pays Off: Marital Status and Breast Cancer Survival

The American Cancer Society's (2006) estimate for new breast cancer cases in the United States in 2006 is 214,640. Of these, 1,720 are estimated to be male and 212,920 are estimated to be female. The estimate for deaths caused by breast cancer is 41,430. Four hundred and sixty of those deaths are estimated to be male and 40,970 are estimated to be female. The estimate of new breast cancer cases in Minnesota is 3,070. Two hundred and fifty deaths are estimated. From birth to age 39, one woman in 231 will get breast cancer. From ages 40 to 59, one in 25 women will get breast cancer. From ages 60 to 79, one in 15 women will get breast cancer (Breastcancer.org, 2006). Breast cancer is the second highest cause of death for women with cancer after lung cancer. It is responsible for 15% of all deaths from cancer. Breast cancer is the leading site for new breast cancer cases at 31% of all new cancer cases. Since 20% of all breast cancer cases are thought to be preventable, researchers are studying lifestyle choices and patterns - including marital status - for their influence on outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes post-breast cancer treatment for single women versus married women.