Breast Cancer Statistics in the USA

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in American women (excluding skin cancers) and the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer. Over the past two decades-plus, key patterns have emerged: incidence rates have fluctuated and recently risen modestly, while mortality rates have declined substantially due to advances in early detection, screening, and treatment.

Data primarily come from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Cancer Institute’s SEER program, and CDC reports, with estimates for recent years (including 2026) based on projections from 2026 ACS Cancer Facts & Figures and related publications. Note that “so far in 2026” refers to the full-year projected estimates, as comprehensive 2026 data isn’t yet finalized.

Current Snapshot (2026 Estimates)

In 2026, projections indicate:

• Approximately 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women.
• About 60,730 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, non-invasive).
• Roughly 2,670 new cases in men.
• An estimated 42,140 deaths in women and 530 in men (total ~42,670 breast cancer deaths).

Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers. The lifetime risk for women is about 1 in 8 (13%) for developing invasive disease and 1 in 43 (around 2.3%) for dying from it.

The age-adjusted incidence rate (new cases per 100,000 women) stands around 130-134 per 100,000 in recent years, while the death rate is approximately 19 per 100,000 (based on 2018-2022/2019-2023 data, with slight ongoing declines).

Historical Trends: Incidence (New Cases)

• From the late 1980s to around 2000, incidence rose significantly (often linked to increased screening and hormone replacement therapy use).
• A sharp drop occurred in the early 2000s (post-2002 Women’s Health Initiative findings on HRT risks), with rates falling notably.
• Since the mid-2000s (roughly 2004 onward), incidence has slowly increased again, by about 1% per year overall from 2012-2021/2022.
• Steeper rises appear in younger women (<50 years: ~1.4% per year) and certain groups like Asian American/Pacific Islander women (up to 2.5-2.7% annually).
• From 2000 to recent years, incidence among women under 50 shifted from stable/gradual increase to sharper upticks post-2012.

Overall, incidence has trended upward modestly in the 2010s-2020s after earlier declines, driven partly by localized-stage and hormone receptor-positive diagnoses, plus factors like obesity, delayed childbearing, and better detection.

Historical Trends: Mortality (Deaths)

Mortality has shown strong progress:

• Peaked around 1989-1990 at roughly 32-33 per 100,000 women (age-adjusted).
• Declined steadily: about 44% drop from 1989 through 2023 (averting over 500,000-546,000 deaths).
• Annual declines averaged 2-3% in the 1990s-2000s, slowing to about 1-1.5% per year since 2010-2013.
• From 1975 (~48 per 100,000) to 2019 (~27 per 100,000), substantial reductions occurred.
• Recent data (2019-2023) show the death rate around 19 per 100,000, with continued gradual decline (e.g., 1.5% per year in some periods up to 2023).

The mortality drop stems from earlier detection via mammography, improved treatments (e.g., targeted therapies, chemotherapy advances), and better access to care—though disparities persist.

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Survival and Prevalence

• 5-year relative survival rate: 91-92% overall (2015-2021 data), over 99% for localized stage, but drops to ~32% for distant (metastatic) stage.
• Over 4 million women in the U.S. live with a breast cancer history (as of recent estimates).
• Survival has improved steadily over decades, reflecting treatment progress.

Disparities and Notes

• Mortality declines have been uneven: Black women face 36-38% higher death rates than White women despite lower incidence (due to later diagnoses, access issues, and higher aggressive subtypes).
• American Indian/Alaska Native women have seen little mortality improvement since 1990.
• Incidence rises fastest in younger women and certain ethnic groups, raising concerns for future trends.

Different Types of Cancer and their Prevalence

Cancer isn’t one disease—it’s a group of over 100 related diseases, each with unique behaviors, risk factors, and treatments. The most common types vary by sex, age, and other factors, but national data consistently highlight a handful that account for the majority of new diagnoses.

Reliable sources like the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and American Cancer Society (ACS) provide the most authoritative statistics. These organizations base figures on population-based registries covering nearly the entire U.S. population.

Data here reflect the latest available estimates (primarily for 2025–2026 projections from ACS and SEER, as 2026 full-year data is projected). Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers (which are extremely common but rarely fatal and often not tracked in the same way), the top cancers by new cases (incidence) dominate discussions of “most popular” or common types.

Top 10 Most Common Cancers by New Cases (2025–2026 Estimates)

The following list draws from ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2025/2026 and SEER data, showing projected new cases for recent years. Breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers together make up nearly half of all new diagnoses.

1. Breast Cancer The most common cancer overall (primarily in women).
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~319,750 (including ~316,950 in women and ~2,800 in men).
   • Accounts for about 16% of all new cancers.
   • Lifetime risk for women: ~1 in 8.
2. Prostate Cancer The leading cancer in men and second overall.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~313,780 (all in men).
   • Represents ~15% of all new cancers.
   • Most common in older men; often slow-growing.
3. Lung and Bronchus Cancer Third most common overall and the top cause of cancer deaths.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~226,650.
   • About 11% of new cases.
   • Strongly linked to smoking; rates declining due to tobacco control.
4. Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectum Combined) Fourth most common; rising in younger adults.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~154,270.
   • Often grouped together due to similar risks and screening.
   • Screening (colonoscopy) has driven mortality declines.
5. Melanoma of the Skin Most common skin cancer tracked in major statistics (non-melanoma skin cancers excluded).
   • Estimated new cases (2025): High in rankings (e.g., ~60,000–100,000+ in various reports).
   • Linked to UV exposure; incidence rising with better detection.
6. Bladder Cancer More common in men.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~84,870.
   • Often linked to smoking and chemical exposures.
7. Kidney and Renal Pelvis Cancer Incidence increasing.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~80,980.
   • Risk factors include obesity and smoking.
8. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma A blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~80,000+.
   • Diverse subtypes with varying prognoses.
9. Uterine Corpus Cancer (Endometrial) Most common gynecologic cancer.
   • Estimated new cases (2025): ~69,120.
   • Linked to obesity and hormonal factors.
10. Pancreatic Cancer Often diagnosed late; high mortality.
    • Estimated new cases (2025): ~60,000–70,000 range in top lists.
    • One of the deadliest despite lower incidence.

Key Insights on Common Cancers

• By Sex: For women, breast, lung, and colorectal top the list (accounting for ~51% of female diagnoses). For men, prostate, lung, and colorectal dominate (~48% of male cases).
• Trends: Incidence for breast, prostate, and others has risen modestly in recent years due to detection, lifestyle factors (e.g., obesity), and population aging. Lung cancer incidence continues to fall.
• Mortality Leaders: Lung cancer causes the most deaths (~110,000–125,000 annually), followed by colorectal, pancreatic, and breast—highlighting prevention and early detection’s impact.
• Overall Burden: In 2025–2026, ~2.0–2.1 million new cancer cases are projected annually, with ~618,000–626,000 deaths. The 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined has reached ~70%.

These figures come directly from verifiable government and nonprofit sources (NCI/SEER, CDC, ACS). Note that “most popular” often refers to incidence (new cases), as that’s how commonality is typically measured—though mortality (deaths) matters more for severity.

Early detection through screening (mammograms, colonoscopies, low-dose CT for lungs in high-risk groups) dramatically improves outcomes for many of these cancers. Lifestyle factors like avoiding tobacco, maintaining healthy weight, and limiting alcohol reduce risk across types.

Key Takeaways

From 2000 to 2026, U.S. breast cancer statistics show a tale of progress amid evolving challenges. Mortality has fallen dramatically (~44% since 1989, continuing at 1-1.5% annually), thanks to screening and better therapies—translating to hundreds of thousands of lives saved. Incidence dipped post-2000 but has risen slowly since the mid-2000s (~1% yearly), with sharper increases in younger women and specific populations.

For 2026 projections, expect around 322,000 invasive cases in women and 42,000+ deaths—numbers that underscore the need for continued research, equitable access to screening/treatment, and risk reduction efforts. Early detection remains crucial: regular mammograms and awareness save lives.

These figures highlight remarkable advancements while pointing to areas needing focus, like reducing disparities and understanding rising rates in younger groups. Stay informed through sources like the ACS or SEER for the most current data.