Facts About Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Fact Sheet

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women.
• One in nine Canadian women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 27 will die from the disease.
• In 2006, an estimated 22,200 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,300 died of it.
• On average, 429 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week.
• On average, 102 Canadian women will die of breast cancer every week.
• Breast cancer death rates have declined steadily since 1986. In fact, the most recent data shows the breast cancer death rate to be at its lowest since 1950.
• When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chances for recovery are better.
• Mammography and clinical breast examinations are the most reliable methods of finding breast cancer.