Breast cancer in Canada
Breast cancer develops in the cells of the breast tissue. When these cells change or no longer behave normally, they may lead to benign tumours (non-cancerous). In some cases, the changes may cause malignant breast tumours (cancerous).
The data
- Breast cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in Canada
- 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
- About 25,700 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016
- Breast cancer is the #1 cancer in women
- 82% occur in women aged 50+
Risk factors
- Age
- Family history
- BRCA gene mutation
- Reproductive status (e.g. late menopause)
- Hormone exposures (e.g. estrogen)
Screening and detection
- 70% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed early in their development, at stage I and II*
- 87% of Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer survive 5 or more years
Routine breast cancer screening with mammography every 2 to 3 years is recommended for women aged 50 to 74.
Screening guidelines are available from the Canadian task Force on Preventive Health Care.
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Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada
Date published: June, 2017
For more facts about breast cancer visit:
www.Canada.ca and Search: breast cancer
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Data Sources: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2016; Statistics Canada, Canadian Cancer Registry CANSIM Table 103-0554; Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Cancerview.ca - 2016 Cancer System Performance Report.
* Cancer stage distribution is based on eight provinces and does not include Quebec or Ontario.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2017 | Cat.: HP35-83/1-2017E-PDF | ISBN: 978-0-660-08545-6 | Pub.: 170068
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