Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Breast cancer - Statistics & Facts
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, with there estimated to be around 316,950 new cases in 2025. Typical symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or armpit, a change in breast size or shape, fluid coming from the nipple, and red peeling skin. Risk factors for breast cancer include obesity, alcohol consumption, hormone therapy, and genetics. The risk of developing breast cancer also increases with age. While the ten-year probability of developing breast cancer among women aged 20 years is 0.1 percent, it is 4.2 percent among women aged 70 years. The lifetime probability that a women in the United States will develop breast cancer is around 13 percent. However, survival rates for breast cancer are high, especially when it is diagnosed early, highlighting the importance of regular screening.
