Site Logo Site Logo
Donate HOPE Kits
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Find Support
  • Get Involved
  • More
    • Our Impact
    • About NBCF
    • Free Resources
    • NBCF Blog
    • Mammogram Pledge
    • In The News
    • Recursos en Español
    • Contact Us
Site Logo
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Find Support
  • Get Involved
  • More
    • Our Impact
    • About NBCF
    • Free Resources
    • NBCF Blog
    • Mammogram Pledge
    • In The News
    • Recursos en Español
    • Contact Us
Donate HOPE Kits

About Breast Cancer > What is Breast Cancer? > Breast Cancer Facts & Stats

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • What Is Cancer?
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts & Stats
    • Breast Tumors
    • Breast Anatomy
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Growth of Cancer
    • Risk Factors
    • Breast Cancer Genetics
      • Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
      • Other Breast Cancer Genes
      • BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene
      • What To Do If You Tested Positive
  • Early Detection
    • Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs
    • Breast Lump
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Self-Exam
    • Clinical Breast Exam
    • Mammogram
    • How to Schedule a Mammogram
    • Healthy Habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Ultrasound
    • MRI
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Lab Tests
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Stages 0 & 1
    • Stage 2 (II) And Stage 2A (IIA)
    • Stage 3 (III) A, B, And C
    • Stage 4 (IV) Breast Cancer
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
    • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
    • Other Types
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer Trial Search
    • Standard Treatment vs. Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Bone Health Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors in 2022
    • Follow-Up Care
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
    • Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
    • Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
    • Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
    • Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
    • Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: IVF increases the risk of breast cancer
    • Myth: All breast cancers are the same
    • Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Free Educational Guides
    • NEW! How to Talk About Breast Health
    • Family Medical History Checklist
    • Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients eBook
    • Breast Reconstruction Guide
    • eBook Quiz
    • Chemo Messages
    • Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • Breast Problems That Arent Breast Cancer eBook
    • Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients eBook
    • Finding Hope that Heals eBook
    • Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
    • Breast Cancer Recurrence eBook
    • What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips
    • Bra Fit Guide
    • Know the Symptoms Guide
    • Breast Health Guide
    • Mammogram 101 eBook
    • 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
    • Abnormal Mammogram eBook
    • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
    • What Every Woman Needs to Know eBook
  • Breast Cancer Resources

Breast Cancer Facts & Stats

What Is Breast Cancer?

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


Facts & Stats 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.

Share These Stats and Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Click on each image to download

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

Related reading:

  • What Is Cancer?
  • Causes of Breast Cancer
  • Breast Tumors
  • Breast Anatomy
  • Male Breast Cancer
Breast Tumors
Causes of Breast…
National Breast Cancer Foundation Logo
Join the Cause:

ABOUT BREAST CANCER
  • What Is Breast Cancer?
  • Early Detection
  • Diagnosis
  • Stages
  • Types of Breast Cancer
  • Treatment
  • Breast Cancer Myths
  • Breast Cancer FAQs
  • Free Educational Guides
  • Breast Cancer Resources
FIND SUPPORT
  • National Mammography Program
  • Patient Navigator Program
  • HOPE Kit
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats
  • Breast Cancer Support Group
  • Breast Health Education
  • Breast Cancer Awareness in the Workplace
  • Breast Cancer Research
GET INVOLVED
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Give
  • Corporate Partnership
  • Fundraise
  • Charitable Partner Learning Center
  • Game Pink
  • NBCF Shop
  • Volunteer
  • Manage My Donation
ABOUT NBCF
  • The NBCF Story
  • Our Impact
  • Our Founder
  • Our Corporate Partners
  • People
  • Careers
  • Financial Reports
  • Contact Us
  • Media Inquiries
  • Sitemap
Charity Navigator Four Star v01 white
Great Nonprofits badge White 2022 v01
Guidestar 2023 white
Instagram social link Facebook social link YouTube social link Twitter social link LinkedIn social link
PO Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Trademark Licensing
  • Contact Us
©2022 National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. All rights reserved. Site by GLIDE.

We use cookies on our website to personalize your experience and improve our efforts. By continuing, you agree to the terms of our Privacy & Cookies Policies.

I Agree
I consent to the use of following cookies:
Cookie Declaration About Cookies
Necessary (0) Marketing (0) Analytics (0) Preferences (0) Unclassified (0)
Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
We do not use cookies of this type.
Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user and thereby more valuable for publishers and third party advertisers.
We do not use cookies of this type.
Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
We do not use cookies of this type.
Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in.
We do not use cookies of this type.
Unclassified cookies are cookies that we are in the process of classifying, together with the providers of individual cookies.
We do not use cookies of this type.
Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. This site uses different types of cookies. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages.