Statistics

What are the estimated numbers of new breast cancer cases and deaths for the year 2008?
An estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2008. An estimated 40,480 women will die from breast cancer. It is estimated that 1,990 men will be diagnosed and 450 men will die of breast cancer during 2008. In addition to invasive breast cancer, 67,770 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women in 2008. Of these, approximately 85 percent will be ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2008.

How does breast cancer affect…

• African Americans
• Ashkenazi Jewish Women
• Asian Americans
• Hispanics/Latinas
• Lesbians
• Native Americans
• Older Women
• Younger Women
• Pregnant Women
• Men

African Americans

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women and the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer. In 2007, an estimated 19,010 new cases of breast cancer and 5,830 deaths are expected to occur among African American women. Although breast cancer incidence is lower among African Americans, African American women have a 36 percent higher breast cancer death rate than Caucasian women. African American women's survival rate for breast cancer has increased in recent decades. From 1996-2002, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer among African American women was 77 percent compared to 90 percent among Caucasian women. The factors that may explain this difference in survival rates include biologic and genetic differences in tumors, the presence of risk factors, barriers to health care access, health behaviors and later stage of disease at diagnosis. Participation in annual mammography screening and treatment of the disease at its earliest stages offers the best opportunity for decreasing mortality and improving survival.

Ashkenazi Jewish Women

All women are at risk for breast cancer. However, some groups of women may be at a higher risk for developing breast cancer. Breast and ovarian cancer are somewhat more common among women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (ancestors who came from Central or Eastern Europe). In the United States, nine out of every 10 Jewish Americans are of Ashkenazi descent. Scientists have identified two specific genes that, when mutated, are important in the development of breast cancer. These genes are called Breast Cancer 1 and Breast Cancer 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively).

Every woman has these genes, but some women who have inherited a mutated form of one or both genes are at higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Among the Ashkenazi population, three BRCA mutations predominate (185delAG, 5382insC in BRCA1 and 6174delT in BRCA2). An estimated 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, regardless of family history, carries one of these mutations.

If you are interested in genetic testing for an inherited gene, it is recommended that you talk with your doctor who can refer you to a genetic counselor. For information regarding genetic counseling, contact the National Cancer Institute or the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Asian Americans

Among Asian American or Pacific Islander women, breast cancer incidence (78.1 per 100,000) and mortality rates (11.0 per 100,000) are lower than Caucasian and African American women. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among Chinese (55 per 100,000), Filipino (73.1 per 100,000), Hawaiian (105.6 per 100,000), Japanese (82.3 per 100,000) and Korean (28.5 per 100,000) women. Incidence and mortality rates vary from group to group. The most frequent cause of cancer death among Filipina women (11.9 per 100,000) is breast cancer. However, aggregate data may mask the fact that for particular subgroups, such as immigrants, native Hawaiians, the economically disadvantaged and the elderly, breast cancer incidence and mortality risk may be higher. Only 48.5 percent of Asian and Pacific Islander women 50 years and older in the U.S. have had a mammogram or clinical breast examination within the last two years—the lowest rate of screening among all racial/ethnic groups. For Asian Americans who immigrated to the United States at least a decade ago, the risk of breast cancer is 80 percent higher than that of new immigrants. For those born in the U.S., the breast cancer risk is similar to that of Caucasian women.

Hispanics/Latinas

Hispanic/Latina women show lower breast cancer screening rates than non-Hispanic/Latina White women and tend to seek and attain health care services less frequently than other ethnic groups. However, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic/Latina women; an estimated 14,300 Hispanics/Latinas are expected to be diagnosed in 2006. An estimated 1,740 deaths from breast cancer are expected to occur among Hispanics/Latinas in 2006. Studies also show that even though Hispanic/Latina women have lower breast cancer rates, they are 20 percent more likely to die from the disease. This contradiction is due to the fact that Hispanic/Latina women are less likely to participate in mammography screening and more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer. Studies consistently show that low income, low educational attainment, lack of health insurance, inability to speak English, lack of awareness of breast cancer risks and screening methods, acculturation level and lack of physician referral play important roles in the lower rates of screening utilization by Hispanic/Latina women.

Lesbians

Lesbians and Women who Partner with Women do have a greater risk of breast cancer than other women, but it is not because of their sexual orientation. Rather, it is linked to several risk factors and barriers for breast cancer such as never having children and not seeing a doctor on a regular basis. For many women, reproductive health issues are their main link to the health care system. Even when seeing a doctor about reproductive health, other health issues are often addressed, including having clinical breast exams or mammograms. But because fewer lesbians have children and therefore, do not seek routine health care, they may have fewer opportunities to have these important early detection tests for breast cancer. As a result, breast cancer may not be detected as early as possible among lesbians. When cancer is detected at an early stage, it can very often be treated successfully. One step lesbians can take is to find a doctor who is sensitive to their health issues, and to see that doctor on a regular basis - especially for clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Native Americans

A century ago, the occurrence of cancer in Native Americans was rare. However, the last two decades have seen substantial increases in both incidence (50.5 per 100,000) and mortality rates (12.4 per 100,000), and cancer now is recognized as a leading cause of death among Native American women. Although breast cancer incidence and mortality rates are lower for women in most Native American tribes than for Caucasians, the rate of death due to the disease has risen since the 1970s. Indeed, the 5-year breast cancer relative survival rate for American Indian women is reportedly the lowest of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Lack of access to and use of early detection services is believed to be a major contributor to this poor breast cancer survival. Without a doubt, greater awareness and utilization of mammography, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam screening methods could significantly reduce the mortality of breast cancer among Native Americans.

Older Women

All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two most significant risk factors are being female and getting older. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age. The majority of new breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. Until more is known about preventing breast cancer, early detection offers the best defense against breast cancer.

Younger Women

Although rare, younger women can also develop breast cancer. Less than 5 percent of all breast cancers occur in women under age 40. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer under age 40 are more likely to have a BRCA1 or 2 genetic mutation. These genes are important in the development of breast cancer, and women who carry defects on either of these genes are at greater risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. If a woman carries a defective BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, she may have a 50 percent to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer. So while the risk of breast cancer is generally much lower for younger women, there is still a high risk for some.

Pregnant Women

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women. It occurs in about 1 in 3,000 pregnancies. The detection of a lump may be hindered by the natural tenderness and enlargement of the breasts in pregnant and lactating women. It is important for pregnant and lactating women to practice monthly breast self-examination and to have clinical breast exams as part of a routine prenatal examination. To learn how to do a breast self-exam, please click here.

Men

Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. In 2008, it is estimated that 1,990 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 450 will die from it. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men include: nipple discharge (usually bloody), nipple inversion, breast lump, and occasionally, local pain, itching and pulling sensation. The survival rate of men and women is comparable by stage of disease at the time of diagnosis. However, men are usually diagnosed at a later stage because they are less likely to report any symptoms. Treatment of breast cancer is the same as treatment for female patients and usually includes a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy.

Data Source: American Cancer Society