Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer: treatments, trials & survival

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Learn about the latest treatments, survival rates, and clinical trials.

New Cases (2024)
313,510
5-Yr Survival
90.6%
Annual Deaths
42,780
Trend
Increasing
See active trials

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Learn about the latest treatments, survival rates, and clinical trials.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER database, an estimated 313,510 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, with approximately 42,780 deaths. The overall 5-year relative survival rate is 90.6%.

Source: NCI SEER Data: 1975–2022

Treatment options

Current treatment approaches for breast cancer depend on the stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. The most common options include:

1
Surgery (Lumpectomy, Mastectomy)
2
Chemotherapy
3
Radiation Therapy
4
Hormone Therapy
5
Targeted Therapy (HER2)
6
Immunotherapy

Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with a qualified oncologist. The options listed above are based on current clinical guidelines and may vary case by case.

Stages

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body and is crucial for planning the most appropriate treatment:

Stage 0 (DCIS) Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV (Metastatic)

Known risk factors

Understanding risk factors can support prevention and early detection. Known risk factors for this cancer include:

Age
Family history
BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations
Hormone replacement therapy
Obesity
Alcohol consumption

Not sure where to start?

A patient navigator familiar with breast cancer can help you understand your options and connect you with top US hospitals. Free & confidential.

Active clinical trials

Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. The trials below are sourced in real time from ClinicalTrials.gov:

Frequently asked questions

The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in the US is 90.6% overall. When detected at an early, localized stage, the survival rate is 99.3%.
Treatment depends on the cancer type and stage. Common approaches include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive cancers.
There are thousands of active clinical trials for breast cancer listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, covering new drugs, immunotherapies, and combination treatments.
Early signs include a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple discharge, and changes in breast size or shape.
You’re not alone

Looking for breast cancer treatment options?

A patient navigator can help you explore treatment pathways, find clinical trials near you, and connect with specialists who see breast cancer every day. Free, confidential consultation.

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