Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women. In 2018, it is estimated that 18,087 women and 148 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.[i]
This means that approximately 18,235 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018,[ii] an average of 50 people every day.
It is important to remember that most people survive breast cancer. The latest statistics show that the five-year relative survival rate for people diagnosed with breast cancer between 2009 and 2013 was 90.1%.[iii]. Of course, many people live long and healthy lives well beyond this period.
A snapshot of breast cancer in Australia
- The number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia is increasing; however the number of deaths from breast cancer is decreasing.
- The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.
- The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer by age 85 is 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 631 for men.[iv]
- The average age of first diagnosis of breast cancer is 61 years.[v]
- 79% of new cases of breast cancer in women develop over the age of 50.[vi]
- The chance of surviving at least five years (five year relative survival) has increased from 72% in 1982-1987[vii] to 90.1% in 2009-2013.[viii]
You can also view these statistics as an infographic (PDF).
The graph below shows the estimated incidence of breast cancer by age for Australian women in 2017.[ix]
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017. Cancer series no.101. Cat. no. CAN 100. Canberra: AIHW.
For more information download BCNA’s current breast cancer statistics in Australia – 2018.
More information
- If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can order a copy of My Journey Kit, our free information pack for anyone who is newly diagnosed.
- Comprehensive statistics about breast cancer can also be found in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s publication, Cancer in Australia: an overview 2017, Cancer in Australia: an overview 2014 and Cancer Australia's Report to the Nation: Breast Cancer 2012.
- For information on how to be 'breast aware' and look for any changes in your breasts visit BCNA’s Breast health and awareness page or the Cancer Australia website.
References
[i] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017. Cancer series no.101. Cat. no. CAN 100. Canberra: AIHW.
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017: Supplementary tables. Chapter 3: Incidence of Cancer, Canberra: AIHW.
[vii] Cancer Australia. 2017. Breast cancer statistics. Accessed 23 January 2018. https://breast-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/statistics.
[viii] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017. Cancer series no.101. Cat. no. CAN 100. Canberra: AIHW.
[ix] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2017. Cancer in Australia 2017: Supplementary tables. Chapter 3: Incidence of Cancer, Canberra: AIHW.