Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Data Behind the Cause
Each year, October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus attention on the most common cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge; however, data, early detection, and sustained research can make a critical difference. In this post, we’ll break down key statistics, trends, and insights into breast cancer: who it affects, how it’s detected, and why awareness efforts are still urgently needed.
Breast cancer has a global impact, and according to the World Health Organization, it is now the most diagnosed cancer globally. More than 2 million women were diagnosed worldwide in 2020 alone, and 685,000 women died from breast cancer that same year. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2025 more than 298,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, causing nearly 48,000 deaths. Additionally, more than 56,000 new cases of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ will be diagnosed. It is estimated that roughly 1 in 8 women (12.5%) will be diagnosed in their lifetime. But breast cancer does not only affect women. About 2,800 cases are expected in men during this same year, and male breast cancer accounts for ~1% of all breast cancer cases.
So, what puts someone at an increased risk for breast cancer? The data shows that there are both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that are associated with breast cancer. The non-modifiable risk factors include:
Age: Most cases occur in women over age 50
Genetics: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations account for 5-10% of breast cancers
Family history: First-degree relatives with breast cancer increase risk
The modifiable risk factors include:
Alcohol consumption: Increases risk by 7-10% per drink/day
Obesity after menopause: Higher body fat (or a BMI >30) results in an increased relative risk for breast cancer
Smoking: Being a current smoker can increase the risk of breast cancer, and when this is combined with alcohol consumption the risk is dramatically increased
Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise reduces risk
Diabetes: Having diabetes (especially if diagnosed prior to age 54) increases risk
Some medications: Calcium Channel Blockers have been linked to an increased risk of both ductal and lobular breast cancer
Hormone therapy containing synthetic progestin: According to the Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002, long term use of a synthetic progestin can increase breast cancer risk, although this risk is less than that of alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and the use of calcium channel blockers
So, while age, genetics, and family history are things that cannot be changed, many risk factors for breast cancer can be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
While breast cancer may be the most common cancer globally, early detection is imperative for survival. When caught early, the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is over 99%. That’s why awareness, education, and access to regular screenings are so important. According to the National Cancer Institute, mammography reduces breast cancer mortality by 20-40% in women aged 50-69, and 87% of breast cancers are detected in localized stages through regular screening. Guidelines for screening vary by organization, but the consensus is that screening in women of average risk starts at age 40 and is done annually (American Cancer Society, American College of Radiology) or biennially (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2023 update). Despite recommendations on early screening, disparities remain. For example, black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women largely due to later-stage diagnosis and less access to care. Hispanic and rural women are also screened at lower rates, which emphasizes the importance of improving education and increasing access to care.
Although breast cancer research in the past has received over $500 million annually from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more investment is needed in metastatic breast cancer (Stage IV), triple-negative breast cancer, and tumor biology by ethnicity/genetics. Some practical ways that breast cancer research can be supported include:
Donate directly to research-focused organizations: Many nonprofits focus specifically on funding scientific research into breast cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and cures. These include such organizations as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org), Susan G. Komen (komen.org), Metavivor (metavivor.org), Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research (drsusanloveresearch.org), and the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).
Participate in fundraising events: Join or support events that raise money for breast cancer research, such as walks/runs (Race for the Cure or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer), cycling events (Tour de Pink), or create your own fundraisers, such as awareness campaigns, bake sales, or social media challenges.
Advocate for federal & public research funding: Government research programs like the NIH and Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) fund billions in research, but they depend on continued public support. You can contact your legislators and ask them to support cancer research budgets, join advocacy organizations (like The National Breast Cancer Coalition) that lobby for increased funding, or sign petitions and participate in awareness campaigns that promote science-based policy.
Support clinical trials: Clinical trials are essential for advancing treatment options but often lack volunteers or awareness.
Buy with purpose: Some products donate a portion of profits to research, but not all are legitimate. Look for transparency and verify the nonprofit partner.
Volunteer your time or skills: Help nonprofits run events or campaigns, offer skills like web design, writing or grant research, or support researchers at academic institutions who rely on non-financial help
Stay informed and educate others: Read and share new research findings and follow reputable sources, like the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), or the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Use your platform to promote science-backed awareness and fundraising.
Final thoughts:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just about wearing pink. It's about driving real, measurable impacts by promoting earlier diagnoses, more equitable access to care, and funding research that leads to cures. By grounding our efforts in data, we don’t just raise awareness, we save lives. Let’s not just observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s use the numbers to guide action.