Theme: Every story is unique, every journey matters
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global opportunity to raise awareness of breast cancer and call for action to improve access to timely diagnosis and quality care.
The theme “Every story is unique, every journey matters” recognizes that every experience of breast cancer is different. Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family and a unique journey. People may face different challenges depending on their diagnosis, treatment, support networks and access to care.
Every person affected by breast cancer deserves to be, supported and treated with dignity. And everyone, wherever they live, should have access to the care they need.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
In 2024:
- 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide.
- 694 000 women died from the disease.
- 8.2 million women were living with breast cancer at the end of the year.
Breast cancer occurs in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, with incidence increasing later in life. Around 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.
While breast cancer outcomes have improved in many countries, major inequalities remain. Access to early diagnosis and effective treatment can vary significantly, contributing to large differences in survival between countries.
Key messages
1. Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. In 2024, an estimated 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 694 000 women died from the disease. Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries in 2024. It occurs in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, with rates increasing later in life.
We must act to detect breast cancer earlier, provide timely diagnosis and ensure access to quality treatment and care.
2. Know your risk.
Certain factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including increasing age, obesity, alcohol use, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history and tobacco use. However, approximately 80% of breast cancers develop in women who have no modifiable breast cancer risk factor other than being female and increasing age. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history of the disease.
Knowing your risk can help you make informed choices and seek care when needed.
3. Know the signs.
For women of all ages, it is important to be aware of changes in the breasts and to seek medical advice if something seems unusual. Signs can include a breast lump or thickening, changes in the size or shape of the breast, changes in the skin or nipple, or abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple. For women in age groups where mammography screening is recommended, a mammogram may be recommended in health care settings with adequate screening services.
Knowing the signs, being breast health aware and seeking care promptly can help support timely diagnosis and treatment.
4. We can save lives. Countries must act.
All countries should aim to reduce breast cancer mortality by 2.5% per year, putting the world on track to avert 2.5 million breast cancer deaths by 2040. This is feasible by providing breast cancer services as part of the essential benefit package for universal health coverage and making them available in public facilities.
With the right policies, services and investment, countries can reduce breast cancer deaths and improve survival.
5. Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you survive.
Major inequalities in breast cancer survival persist around the world. 41% of women in low-income countries are expected to survive at least five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, compared with 87% in high-income countries. Around 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to early detection, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment remains more limited.
Everyone, everywhere should have an equal chance to survive breast cancer.
6. Keep talking. Keep supporting. Keep acting.
Advocate, contribute and act to empower and support people affected by breast cancer.
Every story is unique. Every journey matters. No one should face breast cancer alone.
Closing the gaps in breast cancer care
The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) brings countries and partners together to reduce inequalities in breast cancer outcomes and save lives.
The initiative aims to achieve three targets:
- 60% of invasive breast cancers are diagnosed at stage I or II
- 60 days from the first detection or presentation of symptoms at health facility to getting a diagnosis
- 80% of people diagnosed with breast cancer receive the recommended complete treatment
Achieving these targets requires action across the cancer care pathway - from health promotion and early detection to timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and supportive care.
This October, every action matters
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to turn awareness into action.
Raise awareness: Share accurate information about breast cancer and the importance of seeking care promptly when symptoms occur.
Listen and support : Recognize that every person’s experience of breast cancer is different, and ensure that people affected by the disease are supported throughout their journey.
Improve access: Work to remove barriers to early diagnosis and quality treatment, particularly for people living in settings where access to care is limited.
Drive action: Support countries and communities in implementing the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative and closing gaps in breast cancer outcomes.
Calls to Action
Everyone has a role to play in making breast cancer care more accessible and equitable.
- Individuals and communities can share trusted information and help raise awareness.
- Health professionals can support early detection, timely diagnosis and high-quality care.
- Organizations and partners can amplify campaign messages and support local and national action.
- Countries and health systems can strengthen breast cancer services and work towards the GBCI targets.