Breast Cancer Facts Every Woman Should Know

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide, transcending gender, age, and ethnicity.

At its core, breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. This disease can start in different parts of the breast, such as the ducts, lobules, or in some cases, the connective tissue. Understanding what breast cancer is, its risk factors, and how it develops is crucial in the fight against this pervasive illness.

Through early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive awareness, we can empower our communities to confront breast cancer head-on, ensuring better outcomes and support for those affected.

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Breast Cancer Facts You Should Know

• Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.[4]
• 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.[3][5]
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.[5]
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.[5]
• According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization.[4]
• In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S., as well as 56,500 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.[1][3]
• 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.[1][3]
• In 2024, an estimated 42,250 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.[1][3][5]
• In 2024, an estimated 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S.[3] No 2024 estimate was provided for breast cancer deaths in men.
• 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.[3][5]
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2024, approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.[1][5]
• There are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.[3][5]
• According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization.[4]

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Find Breast Cancer Resources

To find free mammograms, breast cancer screenings, and other breast health medical services, visit our Breast Cancer Resource Guide.

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Citations:
[1] https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/breast-cancer-facts-figures.html
‍[2] https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/
‍[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38230766/
‍[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
‍[5] https://www.bcrf.org/breast-cancer-statistics-and-resources/
‍[6] https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/facts-statistics/breast-cancer-statistics/
‍[7] https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html
‍[8] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
‍[9] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html