About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races.  It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually.  The exact cause of the disease is unknown; and at this time, there are no cures.

But there is hope.  Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before.

Below are the 2010 Breast Cancer Fast Facts compiled from the ACS 2010 Cancer Facts and Figures.  For more information, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® national website, komen.org, offers comprehensive information about breast cancer risk factors, early detection and screening, diagnosis and treatment. Developed in conjunction with the Harvard School of Public Health, the site offers a one-stop resource for all the latest information on the disease. 

 2011 Breast Cancer Fast Facts 
Cancer Facts and Figures 2011, ACS

• An estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. during 2011.
• About 2,140 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in the U.S. in 2011.
• In addition to invasive breast cancer, 57,650 new cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the U.S. during 2011.
• Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths among women in the U.S.
• An estimated 450 men in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer in 2011.
• According to the National Health Interview Survey, mammography rates in women 40 and older in the U.S. decreased from 70.1 percent in 2000 to 66.4 percent in 2005.
• Only 51.2 percent of women 40 and older in the U.S. reported having a mammogram in the last year.
• Recent studies suggest that many women in the U.S. are getting their first mammogram later than recommended, not having mammograms at recommended intervals or not receiving appropriate and timely follow-up of positive screening results.  This may lead to more advanced tumor size and stage at diagnosis.
• There are about 2.6 million breast cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today.
• One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S.

Last Updated June 10, 2010