Breast cancer is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience that touches the lives of many. It starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control, eventually forming a tumor. While it often begins in the milk ducts, it can spread to nearby breast tissue and beyond, creating a serious threat to health.
Breast cancer is not just a statistic; it’s a journey many women face, affecting their bodies and lives in profound ways. It’s very common among women in the United States. But it’s important to remember that breast cancer doesn’t only affect women; it can also touch the lives of men, as we all have some breast tissue.
Each person’s battle with breast cancer is unique, with treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. Whether it involves surgery, radiation, or medication, the goal is always to fight back against this disease.
As we explore the trends and statistics surrounding breast cancer, let’s remember that behind every number is a story of strength, resilience, and hope.
How Common is Breast Cancer
In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, along with 2,790 new cases in men. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women in the U.S. (1)
Additionally, there will be around 56,500 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosed in women. Almost all women with this early form of breast cancer can be cured. DCIS, also known as intraductal carcinoma or stage 0 breast cancer, is a type of breast cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the milk ducts. It’s considered non-invasive or pre-invasive. (1)
As of January 2022, it is estimated that over 4 million women in the U.S. are living with a history of invasive breast cancer. Older women are more likely to develop invasive breast cancer compared to younger women. (1)
A woman dies from breast cancer every 13 minutes. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States, with lung cancer being the first. (1)
In 2018, an estimated 140,230 women in the U.S. were living with metastatic breast cancer. By 2025, this number is projected to rise to 169,347. (1)
Breast Cancer Survival Rate
The five-year relative survival rates for breast cancer are 99% for localized, 86% for regional, and 30% for distant stages. The stage at which breast cancer is diagnosed plays a crucial role in the outcome. Early detection often leads to more effective treatment because the cancer is less advanced. (2)
Breast Cancer Rates in the United States
1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. It’s likely that you know someone who has been personally affected by this disease. (3)
In 2024, it’s estimated that 42,250 women and 530 men will lose their lives to breast cancer. Although the breast cancer death rate has gone down, the number of women and men who die from it each year is increasing. This trend is expected to continue as the population gets older. (4)
In 2024, female breast cancer accounts for 15.5% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 65 and 74. (4)
Only 5-10% of breast cancers are inherited. The biggest risk factors are getting older and being assigned female at birth. (1)
Women who have one close female relative with breast cancer are about 1.5 times more likely to get the disease. This risk increases to 2-4 times higher if they have more than one close relative affected. (2)
What Causes Breast Cancer
Breast cancer often doesn’t show any symptoms when the tumor is small and easiest to treat, which makes regular screening crucial for early detection. The most common physical sign, if it does appear, is a painless lump. (2)
What Percentage of women Are Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in its Early Stages?
Between 2017 and 2021, about 66% of breast cancer cases in women in the U.S. were diagnosed at a localized stage, meaning the cancer was still contained within the breast and hadn’t spread. This accounts for roughly 2 out of 3 cases. (5)
About 25% of female breast cancers, or 1 in 4 cases, were diagnosed at a regional stage, where the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, or organs. Additionally, 6% of cases were found at a distant stage, meaning the cancer had spread to other parts of the body. (5)
10-Year Breast Cancer Risk by Age
Between 2017 and 2019, women in the United States aged 30 had a 0.5% chance of developing invasive breast cancer within the next ten years. The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age, peaking in the seventh decade of life. (2)
Breast Cancer Data Categorized by Age
In 2022, there were 8,050 cases of DCIS and 36,710 cases of invasive breast cancer among women in the U.S. aged 40 to 49 years. (2)
Between 2016 and 2020, the median age of death from breast cancer was 70 years. (1)
The median age at diagnosis is younger for Hispanic (57), Asian/Pacific Islander (58), Black (60), and American Indian/Alaska Native (61) women compared to White women (64). Between 2015 and 2019, the median age for a breast cancer diagnosis was 62. This means that half of the women diagnosed with breast cancer were 62 years old or younger at the time of their diagnosis. (2)
Breast Cancer Statistics by Race and Ethnicity
- Breast cancer incidence rates are highest among White women (133.7 per 100,000), followed by Black women (127.8), and then American Indian/Alaska Native women (111.3). (2)
- Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates, 40% higher than White women, and nearly 2.5 times higher than Asian/Pacific Islander women. (2)
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Black and Hispanic women in the U.S. (2)
U.S. Cancer Death Rates by Type and Gender
According to the National Cancer Institute, the cancer mortality rate is higher in men than in women, with 173.2 deaths per 100,000 men compared to 126.4 per 100,000 women. (6)
Cancer mortality is highest among non-Hispanic Black men (208.3 per 100,000) and lowest among non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander women (82.6 per 100,000). (6)
From 1989 to 2020, breast cancer deaths among U.S. women were reduced by 460,000. The decrease in breast cancer deaths is largely due to improved, more targeted treatments and earlier detection through screening. (2)
Breast cancer death rates decreased annually by 1% to 1.4% in Hispanic, Black, and White women, by 0.6% in Asian/Pacific Islander women, and remained stable among American Indian/Alaska Native women. (2)
Cancer screening percentage change by Type, 2017-2021.
Between 2019 and 2020, lung cancer screenings in the U.S. dropped by nearly 14%, while breast cancer screenings saw a 25% decline. (7)
Mammogram Rates for U.S. Women
In 2019, 54% of women aged 45-54 had a mammogram within the past year, and about 76%-78% of women aged 55-74 had one within the past two years. Overall, 65% of women aged 45 and older were up to date with breast cancer screening according to the American Cancer Society’s recommendations.
Breast Cancer Incidence by Risk Factors
Research shows that the risk of developing breast cancer is influenced by a mix of factors. The biggest factors are being a woman and getting older. Some women may develop breast cancer even without any known risk factors. Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get the disease, and not all risk factors are equally significant.
1. Alcohol-associated Cancers
From 2016 to 2020, female breast cancer had the highest incidence of alcohol-associated cancers in the U.S., at 127 cases per 100,000 people. (8)
2. Obesity-related Cancers
From 2016 to 2020, postmenopausal breast cancer had the highest incidence among obesity-related cancers in the U.S., with nearly 341 cases per 100,000 people. (9)
3. Inactivity-Associated Cancers
In the U.S., from 2016 to 2020, postmenopausal breast cancer had the highest incidence among inactivity-associated cancers, with a rate of 340.5 cases per 100,000 people. (10)
Statistics on Male Breast Cancer
The cancer incidence rate is 440.5 new cases per 100,000 men and women per year, based on data from 2017–2021. (6)
Overall cancer death rates among men decreased by 2.3% per year from 2015 to 2019. (6)
Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancer (49% versus 33%), likely due to delayed detection from a lack of awareness and absence of screening. (2)
Approximately 1 in 100 breast cancer cases diagnosed in the United States occur in a man. (11)
Treatment for Breast Cancer
Radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery reduces cancer recurrence by 50% at 10 years and breast cancer deaths by nearly 20% at 15 years. Radiation therapy is commonly used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast, chest wall, or underarm area, helping to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back locally. (2)
About 77% of breast cancers are HR+ and treatable with hormone therapy to block or reduce estrogen and progesterone effects. (2)
Breast Cancer Screening by State, 2018
The table visualizes the percentage of women aged 40–74 years who reported having had a mammogram within the previous 2 years, by age group and jurisdiction in the United States for 2022. Here are some key statistics: (12)
Total (All Jurisdictions): Overall, 59.1% of women aged 40–49 and 76.5% of women aged 50–74 reported having a mammogram in the previous 2 years.
Massachusetts: Reports the highest percentage of mammogram screening among women aged 50–74 at 84.4%, with 63.9% of women aged 40–49 also reporting screening.
New Hampshire: Shows a high screening rate of 80.3% among women aged 50–74, indicating strong mammogram coverage in the state.
District of Columbia: Exhibits a high screening rate among women aged 50–74 at 77.0%, while 88.5% of women aged 40–49 reported having a mammogram, the highest in this age group.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island: Both states exhibit strong screening rates, with Rhode Island showing 85.5% for women aged 50–74 and Massachusetts at 84.4%.
Lowest Screening Rates: Wyoming reports one of the lowest screening rates among women aged 40–49 at 48.7%, while 64.0% of women aged 50–74 had a mammogram.
Southern States: Mississippi and Arkansas show relatively lower screening rates in both age groups, with Mississippi reporting 63.3% and Arkansas 74.7% for women aged 50–74.
Midwestern States: States like Nebraska and Iowa report high screening rates among women aged 50–74, with 81.9% and 79.6% respectively.
New Breast Cancer Cases by State, 2021
The map visualizes the number of new female breast cancer cases reported in 2021 across the United States, as well as the rate per 100,000 women. Here are some key statistics: (13)
California: Reports the highest number of new breast cancer cases, with 29,995 cases and a rate of 129 per 100,000 women.
Connecticut: Exhibits one of the highest rates of new cases at 158 per 100,000 women, with a total of 3,772 cases.
Delaware and the District of Columbia: Both regions report high rates of new cases at 144 and 147 per 100,000 women, respectively, indicating a significant impact relative to their smaller populations.
Florida: A state with a large population, reporting 20,698 new cases, with a rate of 134 per 100,000 women.
Massachusetts and Washington: Both states report high rates of new cases at 140 and 144 per 100,000 women, respectively, indicating a substantial burden of breast cancer.
Minnesota and New Jersey: Both states have new case rates of 145 and 143 per 100,000 women, with Minnesota reporting 5,074 cases and New Jersey 8,523 cases.
Texas: Despite having the second-highest number of new cases at 19,867, the rate per 100,000 women is relatively moderate at 124.
Missing Data: States like Indiana and Nevada have missing data, which limits the analysis of breast cancer incidence in these regions.
Smaller Populations: States like Vermont and Wyoming, despite their smaller populations, report rates of 119 and 141 per 100,000 women, respectively, indicating that breast cancer is a significant health concern even in less populated areas.
Number of Women who Died from Female Breast cancer in 2022
The map visualizes the number of women who died from female breast cancer in 2022 across the United States. Here are some key statistics: (13)
California: The state with the highest number of breast cancer deaths, reporting 4,661 deaths, with a death rate of 19 per 100,000 women.
Delaware: Exhibits the highest death rate per 100,000 women at 26, despite having 198 deaths.
Massachusetts: Reports a notably low death rate of 14 per 100,000 women, with 721 deaths.
Texas and Florida: Both states have high numbers of deaths (3,133 and 3,219, respectively) and a death rate of 19 per 100,000 women.
Mississippi and Kentucky: Show higher death rates of 23 and 22 per 100,000 women, respectively, reflecting regional disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
Wyoming: Has the lowest number of deaths (80) but a relatively high death rate of 20 per 100,000 women.
New York: Despite its large population, the state has a moderate death rate of 16 per 100,000 women, with 2,217 deaths.
Alabama, Arkansas, and Idaho: These states have relatively high death rates of 20, 21, and 21 per 100,000 women, respectively, despite lower overall numbers of deaths.
Missing Data: States like Indiana and Nevada have missing data, complicating the analysis of breast cancer mortality in these regions.
Smaller Populations: There is a trend where states with smaller populations often have higher death rates per 100,000 women, possibly due to challenges in healthcare access or late diagnosis.
Final Thought
Breast cancer is a common cancer affecting women, with a significant impact on lives across the globe. While breast cancer occurs in many women, the statistics reveal both hope and challenge. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer remains a concern, but advances in early detection and treatment have contributed to improving breast cancer survival rates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while many women survive this disease, the reality is that a substantial number still die from breast cancer each year. This underscores the importance of continued awareness, research, and support for those impacted.
Breast cancer facts show that this disease does not discriminate by age, though women younger and older face different risks and outcomes. As we reflect on these statistics, it’s crucial to recognize the resilience of breast cancer survivors and the strides made in reducing breast cancer mortality.
However, the fight is far from over, and ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that fewer women and men face the devastating effects of this disease. By staying informed and advocating for early detection, we can all contribute to a future where breast cancers occur less frequently and survival rates continue to rise.
Sources
- NBCC: 2024 BREAST CANCER FACTS & FIGURES
- American Cancer Society: Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2022-2024
- National Breast Care Foundation: Breast Cancer Facts & Stats
- Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer
- U.S. Cancer Statistics Breast Cancer Stat Bite
- National Cancer Institute: Cancer Statistics
- Statista: Percentage change in cancer screenings in the United States from 2017 to 2021, by cancer type
- Statista: Rate of new alcohol-associated cancers in the United States from 2016 to 2020, by cancer type
- Statista: Rate of new obesity-associated cancers in the United States from 2016 to 2020, by cancer type
- 1Statista: Rate of new physical inactivity-associated cancers in the United States from 2016 to 2020, by cancer type
- About Breast Cancer in Men
- Heat-Related Emergency Department Visits — United States, May–September 2023
- United States Cancer Statistics: Data Visualizations
