BREAST CANCER

You will find in this section valuable and up-to-date information on breast cancer that we have gleaned from a variety of sources. If you have any specific medical questions or wish to discuss any concerns you have related to your own breast health, we encourage you to discuss it with your physician. 

  

FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER IN CANADA*

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women.
• In 2007, an estimated 22,300 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 will die of it.
• Breast cancer survivors represent 1% of the female population.
• 1 in 9 women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 27 will die of it.
• An estimated 170 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 will die of it.
• Breast cancer death rates have declined in all ages combined and in every age group since at least the mid 1990's. 

INCIDENCE BY AGE GROUP:

• Less than 1% of breast cancer cases occur in women aged 29 or younger.
• 20% of breast cancer cases occur in women aged 30-49.
• 28% of breast cancer cases occur in women aged 50 to 59.
• 23% of cases occur in women aged 60-69.
• 29% of cases occur in women aged 70 and over.

MORTALITY BY AGE GROUP:

• Less than 1% of breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 29 or younger.
• 11% of breast cancer deaths occur in women between the ages of 30 and 49.
• 18% of breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and 59.
• 18% of breast cancer deaths also occur in women aged 60-69.
• 52% of breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 70 and older.

THE GOOD NEWS...

• Breast cancer mortality rates have declined by 25% since 1986.
• Incidence rates have stabilized since 1999.
• The 5 year relative survival rate is 86%.

*Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2007, Toronto, Canada, 2007.