Epidemiology of Breast Cancer - Current Figures and Trends

Abstract

The epidemiology of breast cancer has clearly changed in the past few years. On the basis of current data from population-based cancer registries characteristic numbers for incidence, prevalence, mortality and survival after breast cancer are presented. The number of incident cases has increased to around 72 000 in 2009 (+ 23 % since 2003). It is estimated that at present 250 000 women with a prevalent breast cancer (5-year prevalence) are living in Germany. The most frequent localisation is the outer upper quadrant of the breast. Poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumour tissue is found in every third patient. Since 2003 the age-standardised mortality has declined slightly (- 9 %) whereas the relative survival has improved from 79 to 86 %. Changes in the epidemiology of breast cancer can most probably be attributed to the introduction of early detection programmes such as mammography screening as well as to improved treatment options. To what extent mammography screening will lead to a further reduction of mortality remains to be seen.

Keywords: breast cancer; epidemiology; incidence; mortality; prevalence; prognosis.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None.

Figures

Fig. 1

Age-standardised incidence and mortality rates in Germany over time (European standard; data source: Society of Epidemiological Cancer Registers in Germany [Gesellschaft der epidemiologischen Krebsregister in Deutschland] and Federal Office of Statistics [Statistisches Bundesamt] , 9).

Fig. 2

Age-specific incidence and mortality per 100 000 in 2008 (data source: Society of Epidemiological Cancer Registers in Germany [Gesellschaft der epidemiologischen Krebsregister in Deutschland] and Federal Office of Statistics [Statistisches Bundesamt] , 9).

Fig. 3

Crude incidence and mortality rates in Germany according to age group over time (data source: Society of Epidemiological Cancer Registers in Germany [Gesellschaft der epidemiologischen Krebsregister in Deutschland] and Federal Office of Statistics [Statistisches Bundesamt] , 9).

Fig. 4

Age-standardised breast cancer incidence worldwide (data source: Globocan 14).

Fig. 5

Five-year breast cancer prevalence in Europe (data source: European Cancer Observatory 15).