Breast cancer statistics in Australia

Australia has one of the best survival rates for breast cancer in the world. Although more people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the mortality rate from breast cancer is going down.

The latest statistics were released in October 2025. They show that the chance of surviving at least five years (five year relative survival) has increased from 78 per cent in 1990-1994 to 93 per cent in 2017-2021.

Of course, many people live long and healthy lives well beyond this period.

Looking at statistics about other people who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer can be helpful. However, it is important to remember that these are overall population-based statistics and everyone’s situation is different.

Rates of breast cancer  

On average, 56 people every day in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Australia and accounts for approximately 27 per cent of all new cancers in Australian women.

In 2025, approximately 20,336 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer – 20,129 women and 207 men.

The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 612 for men.

It's estimated that up to 16,000 people in NSW, Victoria and Queensland are living with metastatic breast cancer. BCNA are continuing to campaign for all Australian states to count how many people are living with metastatic breast cancer.

Survival rates

• The chance of surviving at least five years (‘five year relative survival’) was 93% in 2017-2021, up from 75% in 1987-1991.
• It is estimated that 3,313 women and 40 men will die from breast cancer in 2025.

Age and breast cancer

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older.

• In women, the average age of first diagnosis of breast cancer is 62.
• 80% of new cases of breast cancer in women develop over the age of 50.
• Male breast cancer is more common in men aged 50 years and older.
• An estimated 1,036 women under 40 years were diagnosed in 2025.

The graph below shows the projected incidence of breast cancer by age for Australian women in 2025.

Reference

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2025. Cancer data in Australia. Cat. no. CAN 122. Canberra: AIHW. Accessed: November 2025.