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.

Having One Obesity-related Cancer Increases the Risk for a Second Type

Data from the CPS-II Nutrition cohort showed that cancer survivors with obesity have a 78% higher risk for developing a new type (second primary cancer) of obesity-related cancer.

Special Section for Cancer Survivors: Possible Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Read all about it

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Risk and Prevention Studies

Researchers’ analysis of genetic data from diverse ancestral groups uncovered new genes implicated in the development of breast cancer.

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.

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

During the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer screening fell, and after, it rose—by 2023, screening levels were higher than before the pandemic

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

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

See All Screening & Early Detection Studies

Striking Breast Cancer Statistics on the Value of Mammograms

12%

women who have an abnormal mammogram after screening

women with abnormal mammograms who have cancer

Treatment and Reducing Metastasis Studies

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

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

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

Data from the CPS-II Nutrition cohort showed that cancer survivors with obesity have a 78% higher risk for developing a new obesity-related cancer.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tumor analyses help pathologists predict the future course of a woman’s breast cancer.

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

ACS Statistics Reports

The 2025 annual report provides estimated numbers of new cancer cases, deaths, survivors and statistics on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

2024 Breast Cancer Facts and Figures Cover Image 588x440

The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Facts and Figures includes the latest statistics and cancer research facts. Download our publications here.

Learn about how cancer affects 15- to 39-year-olds.

Interact with the latest breast cancer statistics and download the information you want for presentations and reports.

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.

182

breast cancer research grants

$135M

funding for breast cancer research

See More Research Funding Statistics