Breast cancer by the numbers: What to know about diagnoses, survival rates
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Key Points:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins on October 1, highlighting breast cancer as the second most common cancer among women, with over 320,000 new invasive cases expected annually in the U.S.
- Although breast cancer diagnosis rates have increased by about 1% per year, death rates have declined by 44% since 1989, thanks to advances in screening, treatment, and early detection.
- The five-year relative survival rate for invasive breast cancer has improved from roughly 75% in the late 1970s to over 90% as of 2022, reflecting progress in medical care.
- Breast cancer primarily affects women but can also occur in men, accounting for about 1% of cases; early detection remains crucial for better outcomes.
- Disparities persist, with Black women more likely to develop aggressive triple-negative breast cancer and experience higher mortality rates; experts recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and prompt evaluation of any breast changes.
