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Breast Cancer Research Highlights

The American Cancer Society (ACS) helps people with breast cancer in every community. Our research programs have played a role in many of the prevention, screening, and treatment advances that save lives from breast cancer today. And, we continue to fund research to help save even more lives in the future.

Breast Cancer Continues to Increase

Since the mid 2000s, slight increases in breast cancer incidence rates may be partly due to more women having obesity, fewer children, or their first baby after 30.

Testing Diverse Groups Finds New Breast Cancer Genes

Researcher's analysis of genetic data from diverse ancestral groups uncovered new genes implicated in the development of breast cancer.

group of black and white women with one man in back in front red head with short sleeve brown shirt

Risk and Prevention Studies

Scientists ID Signals That May Trigger BRCA1 Breast Cancer

An ACS-funded researcher may have found a future drug target to help prevent BRCA1-related breast cancer - signals from the stroma to the epithelium.

Black Women Need Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Too

A study including CPS-II/3 survey and blood data finds that both Black and White women need genetic counseling/tests to predict the risk of breast cancer.

Women 65+ May Benefit from Genetic Tests for Breast Cancer Risk

For the first time, researchers estimate the prevalence of pathogenic variants of breast cancer predisposition genes beyond BRCA1/2 in older women over age 65.
See All Risk Factor & Prevention Studies

The ACS Cancer Prevention Studies have played a role in identifying or validating every known common genetic variant for breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. We've collaborated with scientists across the United States to analyze large compilations of data. We're helping make discoveries about the genetics of cancer that have the potential to improve screening guidelines, lead to new targeted therapies, and inform follow-up care after cancer treatment."

Alpa Patel, PhD

Senior Vice President Population Science

American Cancer Society

asian woman wearing turquoise patterned shirt

Screening and Early Detection Studies 

Access to Digital Mammography in the US: A Study in Pictures

This animated map shows how the availability of digital mammography increased across the United States from 2001 to 2014.

 

New Screening Strategies May Help Women with Genetic Risks

Starting yearly MRIs 5 years before yearly mammography may reduce breast cancer death in women with ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2 pathogenic variants.

Community Health Centers Meet Only 50% of Mammography Needs

ACS recommends targeted solutions for community health centers to reduce screening disparities based on race and health insurance coverage.
See All Screening & Early Detection Studies

Striking Breast Cancer Statistics on the Value of Mammograms

12%

women who have an abnormal mammogram after screening

4%

women with abnormal mammograms who have cancer

Treatment and Reducing Metastasis Studies

Blood Cells That Clot Wounds May Help Breast Cancer Spread

Mouse studies reveal a feedback loop: Platelets help breast cancer start, then cancer leads to platelets that support metastasis.

 

Some Natural Killer Cells Aid & Abet Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

An ACS-funded researcher learns how cells that typically kill infected and diseased cells switch sides in the tumor microenvironment to help TNBC grow.

3D Mini Breast Tumors May Help ID New Cancer Treatments

Researchers grew 3D organoid cultures from mice injected with human tumor cells and tested both with existing and new drugs for hard-to-treat breast cancers.

See All Treatment & Reducing Metastasis Studies

Featured Breast Cancer Term: Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

A subtype of breast cancer that grows faster and is more likely to spread and recur. It is more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or who have a BRCA1 genetic mutation. 

It’s called triple negative because the cancer cells in TNBC don’t have receptors for the hormones estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR). Plus, TNBC cells make very little or none of the protein called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor). That means all 3 biopsy tests to check for these hormones and the HER2 protein come back "negative." 

Go to the Glossary for Nonscientists

Survivorship Studies

ID of Biomarkers May Improve Life for Breast Cancer Survivors

Thinking and Living With Cancer (TLC) Clinical Trial findings may help older breast cancer survivors reduce risks for cognitive decline and hastened aging.

Excess Weight Before 50 Shortens Life with Breast Cancer After 50

Researchers new breast cancer risk-prediction model helps translate genetic risks to personalized screening guidelines.

 
See All Survivorshop Studies

Eye-Opening Breast Cancer Statistics on Racial Disparities

0.5%

average increase in breast cancer incidence rates each year since the
mid-2000s

200%

increased likelihood Black women have of developing triple-negative breast cancer 

41%

increase in the breast cancer death rate for Black women compared with White women 

Breast Cancer Research News

ACS Statistics Reports  

Helpful Resources

We Fund Cancer Researchers Across the US

The ACS funds scientists who conduct research about breast cancer at medical schools, universities, research institutes, and hospitals throughout the United States. We use a rigorous and independent peer review process to select the most innovative research project proposals to fund. 

162

breast cancer research grants

$124M

funding for breast cancer research

See More Research Funding Statistics

Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

 
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