Stats & factoids

Statistics

  • In 2010, an estimated 23,200 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 women will die of it.
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women and the second leading cause of cancer mortality.
  • One in nine women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
  • On average, 446 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week.
  • On average, 101 Canadian women will die of breast cancer every week.
  • An estimated 180 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 50 will die of it.
  • The cause of breast cancer is unknown; besides being female, age is a woman’s single most important risk factor for developing breast cancer.
  • In 2010, an estimated 4,408 Canadian women under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20-59, accounting for 37% of new cases and 22% of deaths.
  • Young women’s cancers are generally more aggressive and result in lower survival rates.
  • Young women with breast cancer struggle with many issues that their post-menopausal counterparts don’t face, including: the possibility of early menopause, pregnancy after diagnosis, generally more advanced cancers at diagnosis and higher mortality rates.
  • Every woman is at risk: Only 5%-10% of all breast cancers happen because of inherited genetic mutations.
  • Research directed at understanding how and why tumours develop may result in new and effective methods of treatment that have fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.
  • Lifestyle choices – such as healthy eating, staying physically active and not smoking –  may play an important role in reducing breast cancer risk.

Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2010 produced by Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, Provincial/Territorial Cancer Registries, Public Health Agency of Canada (www.cancer.ca)

FAQs

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way and cause a tumour to form.

There are millions of cells in your body and each cell contains thousands and thousands of genes. Genes contain information, which control cell behaviour. If the genes in even a single cell malfunction, cancer can occur. Gene malfunction can be caused by exposure to cancer-causing agents in the environment or may be the result of rare errors in the normal mechanisms that replicate and repair cells. It may also be inherited.

How is breast cancer treated?

Breast cancer is not one single disease and cannot be treated as such. It is found in many forms and various stages. Thanks to progress in research in the past decade, we now have the sophistication to tailor treatments. Anyone with breast cancer should consult with a medical oncologist to determine her or his specific treatment needs. The main types of breast cancer treatment include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

How common is breast cancer? How many women are diagnosed each year?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women. One in nine (11%) Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime (this means by age 90). Approximately 23,200 women are expected to be diagnosed in Canada in 2010. On average, that’s 446 Canadian women every week.

How many of Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer are young women?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 20-59, accounting for 37% of new cancer cases. In Canada, 4,408 women under age 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. About 1,100 are under the age of 40. Though the numbers seem small, younger women with breast cancer have many unique needs and require age-appropriate support. 

What unique challenges do younger women with breast cancer face?

Young women with breast cancer experience isolation as well as challenges with dating, sexuality, fertility, child care, finances, employment and more. Treatment and care issues include delays in diagnosis, generally more advanced cancers at diagnosis and higher mortality rates, low participation in clinical trials, lack of age-appropriate care, concerns around social support during cancer treatment, as well as late effects of treatment, second cancers and long-term psychosocial issues for cancer survivors.

How does Rethink define “young” women?

Generally, Rethink focuses on raising awareness, providing education and supporting women with breast cancer in their 20s, 30s and early 40s.

Are there things I can do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Though the causes of breast cancer are not known, studies show there are things you can do to try to reduce your risk. Read Rethink’s Tips for reducing your risk and learn about early detection through the T.L.C.: Touch. Look. Check. campaign.

Rethink's Mission

To continuously pioneer cutting-edge breast cancer education, support and research that speak fearlessly to the unique needs of young (or youngish) women.