Facts & Figures

Facts & Figures

Cancer touches everyone. If not you, then someone you love. It is estimated that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will have a cancer diagnosis in their lives. For breast cancer, current statistics indicate that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed sometime in their lives, making it the dominant form of cancer for women in the United States.

Statistics Resource Links

National Database

Statistics at a Glance via National Cancer Institute

United States Statistics (Based on 2025 Estimates)

  • 316,050 women diagnosed with breast cancer annually (approximately 757 per day)
  • 42,170 women die of metastatic breast cancer yearly (approximately 115 per day)
  • 168,000+ women with metastatic cancer living in the US
  • 2,650 men diagnosed with breast cancer annually
  • 520 men die of metastatic breast cancer yearly
  • 48,100 women diagnosed with DCIS annually
  • 40,000 women per year diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer deemed incurable
  • 90% 5-year relative survivor rate

Incidence Trends (per 100,000 per year)

  • 1975: 105 women per 100,000
  • 1999 (peak): 141 women per 100,000
  • 2017: approximately 131.61 women per 100,000

Death Rate Trends (per 100,000 per year)

  • 1975: 31.5 deaths per 100,000
  • 1989 (highest): 33.2 deaths per 100,000
  • 2018: 19.73 deaths per 100,000 (attributed to improved drugs including chemotherapy, Herceptin, and Tamoxifen, as well as early detection via mammography)

Breast Cancer Statistics for Tennessee (2017)

  • 5,070 Diagnoses in Tennessee
  • 955 Deaths in Tennessee
  • 1,034 Diagnoses in East Tennessee
  • 173 Deaths in East Tennessee

Note: DCIS and metastatic/recurrent cases not included in Tennessee statistics.

More Resources

Every stage of the journey has a guide. Browse our full library of resources.

Newly Diagnosed

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a mind-numbing experience. Besides the shock of a new reality, there is so much information to take in, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and scared. The good news is that we live in a time where there are more successful and well-tolerated treatment options available than ever […]

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Educational Resources

What is breast cancer? How is it treated? There are many facets of breast cancer, and we understand that the information available can become overwhelming. The more you know, the better decisions you can make about your care. Supportive Organizations & Websites The American Cancer Society BreastCancer.org Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation How a Child […]

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Tips & Questions for Your Doctor

Preparing for Your Appointment Create a binder to take with you on your doctor visits. Write down any symptoms you are experiencing. Include all of them, even those that may seem unrelated to the visit. Make note of key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Write down your family history of […]

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Survivor Tips for Surgeries & Treatments

We have compiled a list of tips from Survivors to help you navigate surgeries and treatments. If you have any additional tips that you would like us to consider adding, please send them to contact@breastconnect.org. Helpful Hints While You Are in the Hospital Items that will help you feel clean without a shower, such as […]

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Metastatic Breast Cancer

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer? When breast cancer spreads to an area farther from where it started, doctors say that the cancer has “metastasized.” Therefore, the definition of metastatic breast cancer is defined as breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. MBC is also often called stage IV. When breast cancer […]

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Support Groups

Our East Tennessee community support groups offer safe, welcoming spaces for sharing experiences, asking questions, and finding strength in numbers. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or years into survivorship, there’s a group for you. Knox County Breast Cancer Support Group — 1st Thursday monthly, 6:00–7:30pm at Thompson Cancer Survival Center, Oak Ridge. Cancer Support […]

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For Families, Friends & Caregivers

Families & Caregivers Caregivers and those closest to cancer patients are often called “co-survivors” in many cancer forums. Co-survivors might be spouses or partners, children or parents, or very close friends. If you are a co-survivor, it’s important to remember that you are vital to the well-being of the person with cancer. You aren’t having […]

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Financial Assistance Resources

Breast Connect provides this directory of financial assistance resources for breast cancer patients and their families. We recommend starting with your insurance provider and your physician — both often have firsthand knowledge of programs available in your area. Patient Financial Assistance BELLA Breast Cancer Foundation Cancer Care Grants and Financial Assistance Financial Help for Cancer […]

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Breast Cancer Glossary & Terms

There is a whole new language you will learn once diagnosed with breast cancer. We have listed links to some excellent glossaries and descriptions, but before you get started, we have provided some basic terms for you to get you on your way. Types of Breast Cancer DCIS – Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Ductal Carcinoma […]

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