We hear all the statistics about the likelihood of you or someone you know being diagnosed.
When Angelina Jolie's announcement made worldwide news, 13WMAZ's Judy Le went out in Central Georgia to put the statistics in terms of real mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
One in eight women has a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
"I had an aunt who had breast cancer and who died when I was 11," says Marsha Gainey of Macon.
"My great great grandmother had it and it's crap. It's not good at all," says Macy Schack of Byron.
It's the most common cancer among women in the United States.
Here are some ways to take control of the disease before it takes control of you.
If you're in your early 20's, start examining your breasts yourself to find lumps.
In your 30's, get clinical breast exams every three years and your doctor's advice.