Breast Cancer Statistics

Rates of breast cancer vary depending on who you are and where you live. Rates vary between women and men and among people of different ethnicities and ages. They vary around the world and across the United States. This section provides an overview of breast cancer statistics among many different populations.

Learn more about:

• Breast cancer in the United States  
• Breast cancer rates by state  
• Time trends and breast cancer rates in the United States  
• Breast cancer rates around the world  

Breast cancer in the United States

Women

In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. women [31]:

• There will be 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer (includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors).
• There will be 63,300 new cases of in situ breast cancer (includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), of those, about 85 percent were DCIS). DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a risk factor that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about DCIS and breast cancer risk. Learn more about LCIS and breast cancer risk.
• There will be 39,510 breast cancer deaths.  

Rates of breast cancer among women vary by:

• Age
  
   
• Race/ethnicity  
• African American  
• Ashkenazi Jewish  
• Asian American and Pacific Islander  
• Hispanic/Latina  
• Native American 
  
   
•  Specific populations 
• Lesbian women  
• Transgender people  
• Pregnant women    

Men

Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. In 2012, it is estimated that among U.S. men [31]:

•  There will be 2,190 new cases of breast cancer.  
•  There will be 410 breast cancer deaths. 

Rates of breast cancer incidence (new cases, including new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors) and mortality (the rate of death) are much lower among men than among women [31]. For example, in 2008 (most recent data available) [32]:

Survival rates for men are about the same as for women with the same stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. However, men are usually diagnosed at a later stage because they are less likely to report symptoms. Learn more about the symptoms of male breast cancer.

Treatment for men is the same as treatment for women and usually includes a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or targeted therapy. Learn more about treatment for male breast cancer.  

Time trends of breast cancer rates in the U.S.

Rates of breast cancer over time

From the 1940s until the 1980s, the rate of new cases of breast cancer (called incidence) in the United States increased by a little over one percent a year. In the 1980s, incidence rose dramatically (likely due to increased mammography screening), then leveled off during the 1990s.

The incidence of breast cancer declined in the early 2000s [31,33]. Although mammography screening rates fell somewhat over this same time period, studies show these changes were not likely related to the decline in breast cancer rates [34-35]. The decline appears to be related to the drop in use of postmenopausal hormones that occurred after the Women's Health Initiative study showed their use increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease [33-36]. Since 2003, the incidence of breast cancer has remained stable [31].  

Mammography and rates of early detection over time

As mammography screening rates have increased, more cases of breast cancer are found at earlier stages, when they are more easily and successfully treated. During the 1980s and 1990s, diagnoses of early-stage breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and conditions such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) increased greatly. Since the late 1990s, these rates have remained steady. At the same time, diagnoses of advanced stage (metastatic) breast cancer have remained stable or dropped slightly [31].  

Race/ethnicity and breast cancer rates over time

Since 1975, the incidence of breast cancer has increased among both white women than black women. However, during this same time period, mortality rates have decreased for white women, but increased somewhat for black women [32]. Figure 1.2 (below) shows this trend.

Learn more about race/ethnicity and breast cancer.  

Male breast cancer rates over time

Rates of male breast cancer have changed little over the past 30 years [31]. Learn more about male breast cancer.  

Geographic variation in breast cancer rates

Worldwide variation

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million new cases of breast cancer occurred among women worldwide in 2010 [71]. Rates of breast cancer around the world vary a great deal. In general, developed countries have higher rates than developing countries (see Figure 1.3 below). And, women who live in developed countries tend to have a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer than women who live in developing countries (see Figure 1.4 below). Although we don’t know all the factors that make up these differences, lifestyle and reproductive factors likely play a large role. Low screening rates and incomplete reporting can make rates of breast cancer in developing countries look lower than they truly are and may also explain some of the difference.

Learn more about lifetime risk of breast cancer in the United States.   

	Figure 1.3: Breast Cancer Incidence Worldwide
	Figure 1.4: Lifetime Risk of Breast Cancer Worldwide

Variation within the United States

Rates of breast cancer vary across the United States. Figure 1.5 (below) shows the incidence of breast cancer for each of the 50 states and Washington D.C. 

Race/ethnicity and breast cancer rates

Within the United States, breast cancer rates among women vary by race and ethnicity. 

White women have the highest incidence, while Asian American and Pacific Islander women have the lowest [36]. Learn more about breast cancer rates among women of different races/ethnicities:

• African Americans  
• Ashkenazi Jewish women  
• Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders  
• Hispanics/Latinas  
• Native Americans  

Migration to the U.S. and breast cancer rates

Immigrants in the United States usually have breast cancer rates similar to those in their home country. Over generations however, the daughters and granddaughters of immigrants take on a risk similar to U.S. women.  

African American women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer. In 2011, an estimated 26,840 new cases of breast cancer and 6,040 deaths are expected to occur among African American women [38].

Breast cancer incidence in African American women is lower than in Caucasian women. Breast cancer mortality, however, is 39 percent higher [38]. Although breast cancer survival in African American women has increased in recent decades, survival rates remain lower than among Caucasian women. From 1999-2006, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer among African American women was 78 percent compared to 90 percent among Caucasian women [38]. There are many possible reasons for this difference in survival. Factors that may all play a role include:

• Biologic and genetic differences in tumors
• Presence of risk factors
• Barriers to health care access
• Health behaviors
• Later stage of breast cancer at diagnosis

Breast cancer screening rates among African American women are similar to those among white women [39]. Learn more breast cancer screening among African American women.  

Ashkenazi Jewish women

Breast and ovarian cancer are somewhat more common among women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (ancestors who came from Central or Eastern Europe). This is likely due to the high prevalence of mutations in the Breast Cancer 1 and Breast Cancer 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively) genes in these women. Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but those who have an inherited mutation in either of these genes are at higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer [40-44].

While BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are rare in the general population, between eight and 10 percent of Ashkenazi Jewish women carry one of these mutations [40,45-47]. The most common BRCA mutations in these women are 185delAG and 5382insC in BRCA1 and 6174delT in BRCA2 [45,47-50].

Learn more about BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and breast cancer risk.

Learn about genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.  

Asian American and Pacific Islander women

The most recent estimated breast cancer incidence (2004 to 2008) and mortality (2003 to 2007) rates were lower for Among Asian American and Pacific Islander women than for non-Hispanic white and African American women [36]. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Japanese women in the U.S. [51]. Among Asian American and Pacific Islander women, Native Hawaiian and Japanese women have the highest rates of breast cancer. Native Hawaiian and Samoan women have the highest rates of breast cancer death, exceeding even those in white women [51].

Asian Americans who are new immigrants have lower rates of breast cancer than those who have lived in the U.S. for many years. For those born in the U.S., breast cancer risk is similar to that of non-Hispanic white women (60 percent higher than women born in Asia) [52].

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in most Asian American and Pacific Islander women (lung cancer is the major cause of cancer death among most of these women).

Mammography screening rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander women are similar to those among white women [39]. Learn more about breast cancer screening among Asian American and Pacific Islander women.  

Hispanic/Latina women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latina women. The most recent estimated incidence (2004 to 2008) and mortality rates (2003 to 2007) for Hispanic/Latina women were lower than for non-Hispanic white women and African American women [36].

Screening mammography rates among Hispanic/Latina women are now similar to rates among non-Hispanic white women [39]. However, in the past, Hispanic/Latina women were less likely to have regular screening and to get prompt follow-up for an abnormal mammogram [32,39,53]. Learn more about breast cancer screening among Hispanic/Latina women.  

Native American women

A century ago, breast cancer in Native Americans was rare. However, the last two decades have seen major increases in both incidence and mortality rates for American Indian and Alaskan Native women. However, rates of both incidence and mortality remain lower than among white or African American women. The most recent estimate of incidence (2004 to 2008) for American Indian and Alaskan Natives was 89.2 per 100,000 women and mortality (2003 to 2007) was to 17.6 per 100,000 [36]. Both incidence and mortality vary according to where women live. Women who live in Alaska have the highest incidence rates (similar to non-Hispanic white women) and women who live in the Southwest have the lowest incidence rates [54].

Mammography screening rates are lower among American Indian and Alaskan Native women compared to women of other ethnicities [39]. Learn more about breast cancer screening among Native American women.  

Lesbians and women who partner with women

Lesbians and women who partner with women have a greater risk of breast cancer than other women, but this is not because of their sexual orientation. Rather, it is linked to risk factors for breast cancer that tend to be more common in these women such as never having children or having them later in life [55-57]. Lesbian women also tend to have higher rates of obesity and alcohol use, both of which can increase breast cancer risk [55-57].

Lesbian women may also be less likely to get routine mammograms and clinical breast exams [58-59]. The reasons for this are not yet clear. However, lack of insurance, a perceived low level of breast cancer risk and not seeing a health care provider on a regular basis may all play a role [58-59]. For many women, reproductive health issues are their main link to the health care system (for example, during pregnancy). Even when seeing a provider about reproductive health, other health issues are often addressed, including having clinical breast exams or mammograms. But because fewer lesbians have children and therefore, may not seek routine health care, they may have fewer opportunities to have routine breast cancer screening. As a result, breast cancer may not be found at an early as stage, when it is most treatable. One step lesbians can take for breast health is to find a provider who is sensitive to their health issues, and to see that provider regularly—especially for clinical breast exams and mammograms.  

Transgender people

At this time, data on breast cancer among transgender men and women are too limited to comment on any increased or decreased risk in these populations. If you are transgender, talk to your health care provider about your breast cancer risk. Your provider can assess your situation.  

Age and breast cancer

All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two most important risk factors for breast cancer are:

• Being female
• Getting older

The risk of getting breast cancer increases as you age. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. Until more is known about preventing breast cancer, early detection and effective treatment offer the best defense against breast cancer mortality.

No matter your age, you should become familiar with how your breasts look and feel. If you notice any changes, see your health care provider right away. Learn about the warnings signs of breast cancer.  

Younger women

Although rare, younger women can also get breast cancer. Just five percent of all breast cancers occur in women under age 40 [36].

While risk is generally much lower among younger women, certain genetic factors can put some women at a higher risk of breast cancer. Women who are diagnosed at younger ages may have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. Women who carry one of these gene mutations have an increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Learn more about these inherited gene mutations and cancer risk.  

Pregnant women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women. About 1.3 cases are diagnosed per 10,000 pregnancies [60]. When women are pregnant or lactating, their breasts are naturally more tender and enlarged. This may make it harder to find a lump or notice other changes. Learn more about breast cancer during pregnancy. 

Updated 01/19/12

What are Benign Breast Conditions?

Breast Facts for Men