October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer and call for action to improve access to timely diagnosis and quality care. The theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters” recognizes that every experience of breast cancer is different. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a unique journey. People may face different challenges depending on their diagnosis, treatment, support networks and access to care. Every person affected by breast cancer deserves to be, supported and treated with dignity. And everyone, wherever they live, should have access to the care they need.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. Each year, about 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer. Breast cancer is also the most common cancer among women around the globe, with an estimated 2.3 million new breast cancers diagnosed worldwide in women in 2023, the most recent year for which statistics are available. In 2026, approximately 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and about 16% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years of age..
Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group. American Indian/Alaska Native women have 10% lower breast cancer incidence than white women, but 6% higher risk of dying from the disease. As with other health conditions, there are many misconceptions about breast cancer, especially as it pertains to risk factors. Read more about breast cancer myths.
