10/01/2025
October is a time to highlight breast cancer awareness. Unfortunately, Breast cancer is still the the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
In the United States, an estimated 316,950 new invasive breast cancers and 59,080 cases of non-invasive (DCIS) will be diagnosed in women in 2025, along with an additional 2,800 cases in men. These statistics also show that there are over 4 million breast cancer survivors and that 42,170 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2025. The death rate has fallen significantly since 1989, but racial disparities persist, with Black women having higher death rates than White women.
In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed and another 670,000 died from the disease. While the 5-year survival rates in high-income countries exceeds 90%, the figures drop to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa. These disparities are driven by unequal access to early detection, timely diagnosis and effective treatment. If the current trend continues, the incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 hence the need for urgent and coordinated action. Indeed, where a woman lives should not determine whether she survives.
These are not just numbers but mothers, sisters, daughters and friends (men too) that deserve hope and dignity.
October is a time to create awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and reaffirm our global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival for all. This year, we highlight the theme: Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to create awareness, honour the millions of lives affected by breast cancer and reaffirm our global commitment to equitable access to care and improved survival for all. This year, we highlight the theme: Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.