Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and represents a major global public health issue. Understanding its epidemiology helps clarify who is affected, why it occurs, and how prevention and screening strategies can reduce mortality.
1. Global Burden
Breast cancer is now the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally.
Key global statistics (recent estimates):
Important patterns:
Incidence is highest in high-income countries.
Mortality is highest in low- and middle-income countries due to later diagnosis and limited treatment access.
Over the past 40 years, incidence has steadily increased, largely from reproductive and lifestyle changes.
2. Epidemiology in the United States
In the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer in women excluding skin cancers......