October begins Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with new global cancer estimates showing the continuing burden of breast cancer and major differences in survival and access to care.
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| October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the global burden of breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. |
Here are some of the latest figures from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and WHO:
2.4 million new cases globally
An estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2024, making breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. When both men and women are considered, it was the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, behind lung cancer.
694,000 deaths in one year
Breast cancer caused an estimated 694,000 deaths worldwide in 2024. It was the leading cause of cancer death among women globally, although its ranking varies between countries.
8.2 million women living with the disease
WHO estimates that 8.2 million women were living with breast cancer at the end of 2024, highlighting the long-term impact of the disease beyond newly diagnosed cases and deaths.
164 countries
Breast cancer was the most common cancer diagnosed among women in 164 of 186 countries in 2024, according to IARC's latest global estimates.
About 80% have no specific risk factors
WHO says approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no specific risk factors other than sex and age. This is one reason awareness and appropriate early detection remain important even for women without a known family history of the disease.
Nigeria's breast cancer burden
The latest GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates put breast cancer at the top of Nigeria's cancer statistics. An estimated 44,196 new breast cancer cases were recorded in 2024, accounting for 29% of all new cancer cases in the country. Breast cancer also accounted for an estimated 21,309 deaths, making it Nigeria's leading cause of cancer death overall in the GLOBOCAN estimates.
Survival remains unequal
WHO reports major differences in breast cancer survival between countries. In low-income countries, only about 41.9% of women were expected to survive at least five years after diagnosis, compared with substantially higher survival in many high-income settings. Differences in the stage at diagnosis and access to timely diagnosis and effective treatment contribute to these disparities.
Breast cancer can occur at any age after puberty, with risk increasing later in life. WHO also notes that alcohol consumption and obesity are among established risk factors, while early diagnosis linked to appropriate treatment can improve outcomes.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, health authorities are using the October campaign to emphasize that awareness should go beyond a month-long message. Timely attention to breast changes, appropriate screening based on individual risk and access to qualified healthcare professionals remain important parts of breast cancer control.