Cancer is a major cause of illness in Australia, and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women.
Cancer Australia has recently updated their breast cancer statistics for 2018, and reveal some interesting data.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
1.In Australia, 48 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day.
2. This makes breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
3. The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer continues to increase every year.
4. This year, it is estimated that there will be 18,235 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Australia alone.
5. Of the new cases of breast cancer diagnosed this year, 18,087 women and 148 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia.
6. In the Brisbane area alone, over 1,300 new cases of breast cases occur every year. (last records were in 2014 for 1,307 new cases)
7. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. In 2017, it is estimated that the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer by your 85th birthday is 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 715 for men.
8. And statistics show us that most new cases – about 78% – of all breast cancer diagnosis – are in women aged over 50.
9. More than two in three cases of breast cancer occur in women aged between 40 and 69 years.
Risk Factors
10. When it comes to breast cancer, family history matters. 5 -10% of all breast cancer diagnosis are attributable to the genetic mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2.
11. Younger women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have poorer survival outcomes compared with older, post-menopausal women.
How Australia Rates Internationally
12. Australia has one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world.
13. However, the incidence rate (or rate of people diagnosed with breast cancer) in Australia one of the highest in the world.
Men and Breast Cancer
14. Although not as common as women, breast cancer does also affect men, accounting for about 1% of all cases.
Young Women and Breast Cancer
15. Younger women get breast cancer too. Women aged between 20 and 39 account for 5% of all breast cancer diagnosis.
The Cost of Breast Cancer
16. 88% breast cancer patients experience costs related to their breast cancer treatment resulting in financial stress and vulnerability.
17. Although costs vary from person to person and depending on their treatment, the costs involved in treating breast cancer are reported to range from $3,500 to over $20,000 and higher.
Surviving Breast Cancer
18. Deaths from breast cancer account from 6.5% of all deaths from cancer.
19. In 2017, it is estimated that the risk of an individual dying from breast cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 76 (1 in 3,582 males and 1 in 41 females).
20. It is estimated that this year, 3,157 breast cancer patients will die as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis. Of these, 28 will be male breast cancer patients and 3,128 will be female.
21. Despite more people dying from breast cancer, the 5-year relative survival from breast cancer has improved from 72% to 90% survival rate.
Helping breast cancer patients
Be Uplifted Inc helps Brisbane breast cancer patients during their treatment. We provide support services to women, men and their families while they are on a breast cancer journey.
Find out more about how we help patients, and please consider making a donation, no matter how small, to assisting our non-profit charity.