Number of the Month

74,500 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022

In 2022, around 74,500 women in Germany were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition, more than 6,000 women were diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer – a so-called in situ tumour. About one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. This makes breast cancer by far the most common cancer in women. About one per cent of all new cases affect men; nationwide, the disease was diagnosed in about 790 men.

Since the end of the 1990s, breast cancer mortality rates have been steadily declining. Advances in therapy have significantly improved the chances of survival for those affected. Nevertheless, 18,889 women and 213 men died as a result of the disease.

The statutory cancer screening programme offers women aged 30 and over the opportunity of an annual palpation examination by a doctor. Women between the ages of 50 and 75 are entitled to a mammogram every two years as part of the national mammography screening program.