Breast Cancer Statistics In The US – Infographics

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in the US and is second leading cause of death among women next only to lung cancer.  About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes!

In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed

In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. However, there has been a slight reduction in the number of incidents in breast cancer since the year 2000 because of a higher awareness, routine health check-ups and reduced use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women

Men are at Risk as well

About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2019. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883. These startling figures bust the common myth that men cannot have breast cancer. Having a greater awareness on this small yet potent risk factor will go a long way in enhancing the survival rates among male breast cancer patients.

Hereditary factor has a role

• A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
  Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.
• About 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes inherited from one’s mother or father.

Early detection is important

Early detection and treatment will ensure 5% survival in women 99% women with breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. So it is important to undergo routine scan and mammography to stay safe.

Community level awareness campaigns

Non profits, business organizations and community groups can all join together to make the fight against cancer a success. Organizing awareness campaigns, free health check up centers and handing out custom breast cancer awareness handouts are some of the many measures that can be adopted. Schools and organizations can inspire the students and employees to volunteer for the cause to make a positive change in the society.