According to Breast Cancer Statistics, Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells. It occurs when the cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrolled, forming a tumor. These tumors can be either malignant (Cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
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- The Breast Cancer Market size is expected to be worth around USD 49.2 Bn by 2032.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2020, there were about 2.3 million new cases of cancer diagnosed globally.
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. In 2020, it was responsible for approximately 685,000 deaths worldwide.
- The survival rate of cancer has improved over the years. In the United States, the overall five-year survival rate of cancer is around 90%.
- The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk.
- Although rare, breast cancer also occurs in men. Less than 1% of cancer cases are diagnosed in males.
Incidence and Prevalence of Breast Cancer
- In women, the lifetime risk of cancer is approximately 1 in 8 (about 12%).
- Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in women each year in the United States.
- More than 13% of US women are going to develop invasive cancer in the United States in 2022.
- About 2,710 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2022.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women overall. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in 140 of 180 countries worldwide.
- It is estimated that about 300,590 people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States.
- In 2023, a projected 2,800 men will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States.
- The estimated number of deaths due to cancer in 2023 will be 43,170, which is about 7.1%.
How Common is Breast Cancer?
| Rank | Common Types of Cancer | Estimated New Cases 2023 | Estimated Deaths 2023 |
| 1. | Breast Cancer (Female) | 297,790 | 43,170 |
| 2. | Prostate Cancer | 288,300 | 34,700 |
| 3. | Lung and Bronchus Cancer | 238,340 | 127,070 |
| 4. | Colorectal Cancer | 153,020 | 52,550 |
| 5. | Melanoma of the Skin | 97,610 | 7,990 |
| 6. | Bladder Cancer | 82,290 | 16,710 |
| 7. | Kidney and Renal Pelvis Cancer | 81,800 | 14,890 |
| 8. | Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | 80,550 | 20,180 |
| 9. | Uterine Cancer | 66,200 | 13,030 |
| 10. | Pancreatic Cancer | 64,050 | 50,550 |
Lifetime Risk of Developing Breast Cancer Statistics
- The American Cancer Society projected that the average lifetime risk of developing cancer in women is about 1 in 8 (12.5%).
- According to Cancer Research UK, the lifetime risk of developing cancer in the UK is approximately 1 in 7 (14%). This risk estimate is based on current population rates and may vary for individuals based on their specific risk factors.
- Globally, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer varies across different countries and regions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated lifetime risk for women worldwide is around 1 in 20 (5%).
- The lifetime risk of cancer increases with age. For example, by the age of 30, the lifetime risk for women is about 1 in 227. By the age of 40, it increases to 1 in 68, and by the age of 50, it increases further to 1 in 38.
Breast Cancer Statistics by Age
Younger Women (Under 40)
- Breast cancer is relatively rare in women under age 40.
- According to the American Cancer Society, the average risk of developing cancer by age 40 is about 1.5% (1 in 67 women)
- However, cancer can occur in younger women, particularly those with a family history of the disease or certain genetic mutations.
Middle-Aged Women (40-60)
- The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women age.
- By the age of 50, the average lifetime risk of cancer is about 2.3% (1 in 38 women)
- The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over the age of 50.
Older Women (60 and above)
- The risk of breast cancer continues to increase with age.
- By the age of 70, the average lifetime risk of cancer is about 3.5% (1 in 28 women)
- The majority of cancer cases occur in postmenopausal women.
Breast Cancer Statistics by Gender
White/Caucasian Women
- In the United States, white women have the highest incidence rates of cancer as compared to other ethnic group.
- According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, the age-adjusted incidence rate for white women in the United States is approximately 135 cases per 100,000 women.
African American Women
- African American women have slightly lower breast cancer incidence rates compared to white women.
- The age-adjusted incidence rate for African-American women in the United States is around 123 cases per 100,000 women.
Asian/Pacific Islander Women
- Asian and Pacific Islander women have lower breast cancer incidence rates compared to white women.
- The age-adjusted incidence rate for Asian and Pacific Islander women in the United States is approximately 91 cases per 100,000 women.
Hispanic/Latina Women
- Breast cancer incidence rates among Hispanic/Latina women in the United States are generally lower compared to white and African-American women.
- The age-adjusted incidence rate for Hispanic/Latina women is around 92 cases per 100,000 women.
Breast Cancer Statistics by Country
United States
- In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the United States.
- The average lifetime risk of developing cancer for women in the United States is about 1 in 8 (or about 12%).
- The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in women aged 50 and older.
- The ACS recommends that women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, while women aged 45-54 should have a mammogram annually.
- In 2020, around 73.2% of women aged 50-74 in the United States reported having a mammogram within the past two years.
Germany
- In 2018, there were an estimated 70,986 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Germany.
- In 2018, cancer was responsible for approximately 18,570 deaths in Germany.
- The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in Germany is around 86%.
- Germany has a national mammography screening program called the “Mammography Screening Program” (MSP).
- It provides free mammograms every two years for women aged 50 to 69.
United Kingdom
- In 2020, there were 57,400 new cases of breast cancer in the UK.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 15% of all new cancer cases.
- In 2019, there were approximately 11,500 deaths due to cancer in the UK.
- The five-year survival rate for cancer in the UK is over 85%.
- The ten-year survival rate for breast cancer is approximately 78%.
- The NHS Breast Screening Program offers mammography screening every three years for women aged 50 to 70.
- The Breast Screening Programme detects around 18,000 cancers each year.
