Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women. (Only lung cancer kills more women each year.) Awareness, early detection, access to screening, and additional research are essential for improving outcomes. Below, we share updated information on risk factors, screening, and recent statistics.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in breast tissue. While it primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, though less than 1% of cases occur in men. There isn’t one single cause, as genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors all play a role.
Key Risk Factors
- Age – Risk increases with age.
- Family history and genetics – BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations greatly increase lifetime risk. However, family history of breast cancer is not determinative. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Inherited gene mutations account for only 5-10% of all breast cancers diagnosed in women in the U.S.
- Hormonal factors – Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), or long-term hormone therapy (especially for more than 5 years) can raise risk.
- Lifestyle – Smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and lack of physical activity contribute.
- Other medical history – Prior chest radiation, dense breast tissue, or certain noncancerous breast conditions can heighten risk.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection saves lives. Localized breast cancers (cancer confined to the breast) have survival rates above 99%. When caught early, the chances of successful treatment are far greater. Regular self-checks, clinical exams, and yearly mammograms remain critical. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, push for answers.
A Virginia breast surgeon shares some thoughts on being proactive: “Early detection is key to a better cancer outcome. That is why outcomes for women with breast cancer diagnosed with mammograms have improved so much, while breast cancer found by the patient at later stages have lagged. Women should be aware of their breasts and if something feels off or different, do not write it off. Seek your doctor’s opinion, and get breast imaging. If you have an abnormal mammogram or you’re concerned about the quality of your imaging, talk with your doctor or see an expert. Advocate for it to be investigated. You will never regret getting a second opinion.”
Key Screening & Diagnostic Tests
- Mammogram – Still the gold standard for early detection in women at average risk.
- Ultrasound – Often used when mammograms show abnormalities or when breast tissue is dense.
- MRI – Recommended for high-risk patients, including those with genetic mutations.
- Biopsy – Confirms whether a suspicious growth is cancerous.
Breast Cancer Statistics (2025)
- New cases in women: About 316,950 invasive breast cancer cases are expected in 2025.
- New cases in men: About 2,800 invasive cases expected.
- Deaths: An estimated 42,170 women and 510 men will die from breast cancer this year.
- Lifetime risk: Roughly 1 in 8 women (13.1%) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
- Risk of death: About 1 in 43 women (2.3%) will die from breast cancer.
- Survivors: Over 4 million women in the U.S. are currently living with or after breast cancer treatment.
- Disparities: Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite having slightly lower incidence rates.
(Source: American Cancer Society, SEER, BreastCancer.org)
Legal Perspective: Misdiagnosed Mammograms
Unfortunately, breast cancer is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed cancers. Failure to diagnose or misread mammograms can have devastating consequences.
At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, partner Stephanie E. Grana has represented numerous women whose breast cancers were not diagnosed in time due to radiology errors. From 2020–2022, she represented 10 women whose mammograms were misread over several years. Several were diagnosed only after their cancer had spread, and three women tragically passed away during the litigation process. These cases resolved in mediation and arbitration, resulting in $8.65 million in settlements.
Stephanie Grana’s Advice
- Do self-exams regularly and know what’s normal for your body.
- Request copies of your reports and maintain your own records. Read them! Is there anything labeled suspicious or concerning? Is a short-term follow-up recommended?
- Be proactive with follow-ups—don’t assume the office will call you. Make sure that your mammograms are scheduled/performed at yearly intervals or sooner, if necessary.
- Trust your instincts—if you believe something is wrong, insist on further testing or a second opinion. Make a list of questions and get answers!
Take Action
Breast cancer awareness is about more than education; it’s about empowerment. Be more than a “survivor” – be a “thriver.” If you or a loved one believes a mammogram was misread, leading to a delayed diagnosis, our team at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci is here to help. With decades of experience in medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases, we are committed to holding healthcare providers accountable and seeking justice for victims of medical negligence.
And if you know of someone diagnosed with breast cancer, be there for them and their family. Support them with actions, ask if they want to talk (or not), check in with them even after treatment, and know that the experience for every cancer patient is different – don’t make comparisons.
For those diagnosed with breast cancer: you are stronger than you will ever imagine possible!
