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Breast Cancer Facts

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. 

Facts About Breast Cancer In The United States

  • In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
  • 65% 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%.
  • This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
  • Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.
  • 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
  • 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.
  • There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
  • On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

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1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime
In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.
About 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, approximately 530 will die
There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States
This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
Approximately 30 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in women will be breast cancer
The 5 year survival rate of breast cancer of a diagnosis on a localized stage is 99 percent
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S.

Breast Cancer Disparities

Breast Cancer death rates are 40 percent higher among black women than white women
Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Latin women living in the U.S.
47 percent of women put off or postponed preventive services due to cost
Poverty, less education, and lack of health insurance are associated with lower breast cancer survival rates
49 percent of uninsured women delayed or went without care due to cost
Only 30 percent of uninsured women were up to date with breast cancer screening in 2018

A Global Burden

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.

Good News About Breast Cancer Trends

In recent years, perhaps coinciding with the decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause, we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.

Medically Reviewed on April 15, 2020

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