09/14/2026
🎀 BREAST CANCER UPDATE — 2026
Know the Facts • Know Your Body • Get Screened • Early Detection Matters
Breast Cancer in the United States
* About 321,910 women are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2026.
* About 60,730 women are expected to be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), sometimes called stage 0 breast cancer.
* About 42,140 women are expected to die from breast cancer in 2026.
* About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
* Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States, other than skin cancer.
* There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. (American Cancer Society)
There Is Hope
Breast cancer death rates have fallen substantially since 1989. Earlier detection, greater awareness, and improved treatments have helped save lives. (American Cancer Society)
Screening Matters
For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every 2 years from ages 40 through 74.
Women who have a strong family history, certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, previous breast cancer, or other high-risk factors may need a different screening schedule. Talk with your healthcare provider about what is right for you. (USPSTF)
Know the Warning Signs
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
* A new lump in the breast or underarm
* Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
* Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
* Redness or flaky skin around the ni**le or breast
* A ni**le pulling inward
* Ni**le pain
* Unusual ni**le discharge, including blood
* A change in the size or shape of the breast
* New or unexplained breast pain
Some people with breast cancer have no symptoms, which is one reason screening is so important. (CDC)
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer — TNBC
Triple-negative breast cancer means the cancer cells are negative for:
Estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2.
TNBC makes up approximately 15% of breast cancers. It often grows faster and has a greater chance of returning than many other forms of breast cancer. However, treatments are available, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and other treatments depending on the individual cancer. (Cancer.gov)
TNBC 5-Year Relative Survival
* Localized: about 91%
* Regional: about 66%
* Metastatic: about 12%
These numbers describe groups of patients and cannot predict one individual person’s outcome. Treatment continues to improve. (Cancer.gov)
Breast Cancer & Black Women
Although White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer overall, Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate and are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer. Early screening, timely follow-up after an abnormal mammogram, and access to treatment are especially important. (American Cancer Society)
Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too
Breast cancer is uncommon in men, but it does happen. In 2026, approximately 2,670 men are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and approximately 530 men are expected to die from it. (American Cancer Society)
🎀 DON’T IGNORE A CHANGE
Know your body. Keep your appointments. Get screened. Ask questions. Advocate for yourself.
Pink Sister Inc.
Supporting women, men, and children affected by cancer.
Early detection can save lives — and no one should have to fight cancer alone.
Educational information only. This fact sheet does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.
