Breast cancer cases are projected to increase by 38% worldwide over the next 25 years, with deaths rising by 68%, according to a recent analysis by international scientists. In the US, cases are expected to rise from nearly 275,000 in 2022 to more than 350,000 by 2050, while deaths are predicted to increase from nearly 43,000 to nearly 64,000.
The rising trend is attributed to factors such as age, family history, and lifestyle habits. As populations grow and age, the number of cases is expected to rise. Breast cancer inequalities also exist, with lower-income countries disproportionately affected.
According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, around 3.2 million new breast cancer cases are expected in 2050, with 1.1 million deaths annually. Populations with high rates of breast cancer diagnosis currently include Australia and New Zealand, Northern Europe, and Northern America, while those with high mortality rates include Melanesia, Polynesia, and Western Africa.
The analysis highlights the need for better cancer data in less developed countries, where many cases cannot be accurately recorded due to a lack of data. The researchers call for continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment to address the global gap in breast cancer and reduce suffering and death from the disease worldwide.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katherinehignett/2025/02/24/breast-cancer-cases-expected-to-rise-by-almost-40-by-2050