Breast Cancer



Part of the SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard

Breast Cancer & Women’s Health 

Breast cancer is a disease in which there is uncontrolled cell growth that has developed from breast tissue. As with other types of cancer, breast cancer is caused by genetic abnormalities, or mutations, in the genes which are responsible for regulating cell growth. The normal process of cell growth and division is disrupted and the mutated cells continue dividing rapidly and uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The different types of breast cancer are defined by the originating cells – most commonly in the ducts or lobules. In 2020, female breast cancer became the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, accounting for 11.7% of all new cancer cases [1]. 

While breast cancer most often develops from a genetic mutation that occurs as a result of the aging process, approximately 5-10%, are due to a mutation inherited from the biological mother or father [2].  

The information presented below has been curated from 2018 data, unless otherwise stated. 

 

 

DISEASE BURDEN

DISEASE PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY

DISEASE IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

 

 

Part of the SWHR Women’s Health Dashboard

Breast Cancer & Women’s Health 

Breast cancer is a disease in which there is uncontrolled cell growth that has developed from breast tissue. As with other types of cancer, breast cancer is caused by genetic abnormalities, or mutations, in the genes which are responsible for regulating cell growth. The normal process of cell growth and division is disrupted and the mutated cells continue dividing rapidly and uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The different types of breast cancer are defined by the originating cells – most commonly in the ducts or lobules. In 2020, female breast cancer became the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, accounting for 11.7% of all new cancer cases [1]. 

While breast cancer most often develops from a genetic mutation that occurs as a result of the aging process, approximately 5-10%, are due to a mutation inherited from the biological mother or father [2].  

The information presented below has been curated from 2018 data, unless otherwise stated. 

 

 

DISEASE BURDEN

DISEASE PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY

DISEASE IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES