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Cancer survival is improving, but breast cancer continues to affect hundreds of thousands of people in the United States each year. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins on Oct. 1, new figures highlight major medical progress alongside persistent racial and gender disparities.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., excluding skin cancer. The American Cancer Society expects more than 320,000 new invasive cases this year. Diagnoses have increased by about 1% annually in recent years, even as death rates continue to decline.
Powerful Cancer Survival Gains Over Four Decades
The breast cancer death rate among U.S. women fell 44% between 1989 and 2024, according to the American Cancer Society. That decline is estimated to have prevented between 500,000 and 517,900 deaths.
Experts attribute the progress to several factors, including improved screening, earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments tailored to specific tumor types.
“The decrease in breast cancer death rates is probably a combination of our screening advances, as well as advances in the treatments that we have for different subtypes of breast cancer,” Priya Thomas, a breast oncologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, told ABC News.
Thomas added that artificial intelligence is being investigated as a possible tool for improving cancer detection and increasing screening sensitivity.
Survival Rates Rise as Earlier Diagnosis Expands
In the late 1970s, the five-year relative survival rate for women with invasive breast cancer was roughly 75%. By 2022, the rate had climbed above 90%, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The measure compares the number of patients alive five years after diagnosis with the number of people of the same age who do not have cancer. While survival statistics cannot predict an individual outcome, they show how treatment and early detection have changed the disease’s outlook.
Stage at diagnosis remains one of the strongest predictors of survival. According to the National Cancer Institute:
- About 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage.
- Approximately 27% have spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissue.
- About 6% are diagnosed after spreading to distant parts of the body.
- Roughly 2% have an unknown stage at diagnosis.
Hannah Rose Naughton, a breast surgical oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Health, said most patients do well, particularly when the disease is found early.
“The earlier we find the cancer, the better the outcome for the patient,” Naughton said.
Critical Disparities Continue Across Communities
Despite broad improvements, the burden of breast cancer is not shared equally. Black women are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype that can be more difficult to treat. They also face a higher breast cancer mortality rate.
Age is another important risk factor. The average age at diagnosis for women is 63, according to the National Cancer Institute. For men, the average age is generally between 60 and 70. However, breast cancer can occur at almost any age, and diagnosis at a younger age may be linked to increased mortality.
Although breast cancer affects women far more often, men can also develop the disease. About 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men, according to medical experts.
Urgent Warning Signs and Screening Advice
Experts emphasize that people should pay attention to changes in their breasts and seek medical advice when something feels or looks different.
- A new lump or thickening
- Skin changes, dimpling or redness
- Nipple discharge
- A change in breast size or shape
- Any unusual change from a person’s normal baseline
Screening recommendations can vary depending on age, risk factors and the organization issuing the guidance. Naughton said she continues to recommend yearly mammograms beginning at age 40 for women at average risk. People with a family history or other risk factors should discuss an individualized screening plan with a health care provider.
“The most important message is that you shouldn’t ignore a change in your breast,” Naughton said.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer
How common is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, excluding skin cancer. More than 320,000 invasive cases are expected annually.
Has the breast cancer death rate declined?
Yes. The death rate among U.S. women decreased 44% from 1989 to 2024, according to the American Cancer Society.
What is the current five-year survival rate?
The five-year relative survival rate for invasive breast cancer was above 90% in 2022, compared with roughly 75% in the late 1970s.
Can men develop breast cancer?
Yes. Men account for about 1% of breast cancer cases, making the disease rare but possible in males.
When should someone see a doctor?
Anyone who notices a new lump, nipple discharge, skin change or another unusual breast change should contact a health care provider for an evaluation.
