Nearly 1 of every 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer.

Fortunately, treatment success rates are growing, largely because of early detection. Knowing your risk factors helps, too.

Whether or not a woman can fully take control to “prevent” cancer is uncertain. Yet, it is clear that early detection increases the chances for successful treatment.

Just being a woman puts you at a higher risk for breast cancer, although men can get it, too.

Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are believed to be hereditary.

If you know you are in that percentage, with a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer, diligence with mammograms and breast self-exams becomes crucial.

Genetic testing is possible, but not without complication or expense and is recommended only for about two percent of American women.

Risk factors you can control include excessive alcohol drinking and being significantly overweight.

New studies show that physical activity and exercise on a regular basis help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

There have been anecdotal reports linking breast cancer to the use of antiperspirants followed by shaving, and also to environmental toxins.

The American Cancer Society says that more research is needed before either of these claims can be substantiated.