Breast Cancer in Australia: Prevalence and Progress

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia. According to the World Health Organisation, over 2.3 million people are diagnosed globally every year and recent data published in Nature Medicine shows that Australian women now face the highest risk of breast cancer in the world. One in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and that risk increases further in those with a strong family history or specific genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Despite rising case numbers, outcomes for people with breast cancer have improved dramatically. Earlier detection, improved imaging, and advances in breast surgery have contributed to significant gains in long-term survival. In Australia today, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%, particularly when cancer is found and treated in its early stages.

5-year survival rate after a breast cancer diagnosis in Australia depends on the stage at which the cancer is detected:

Surgery remains the primary treatment for Stage I to III breast cancer and offers a high rate of success when performed as part of early management. As the initial and most critical intervention, surgical treatment is central to the overall care plan. The breast surgeon plays a key role in coordinating management and ensuring integration with other treatment modalities as needed.

In addition to surgery, adjuvant therapies such as endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence in the breast or elsewhere in the body. The need for these treatments depends on the specific tumour characteristics, stage of disease, and patient factors. Not all patients will require adjuvant therapy; decisions are made in consultation with the treating team to ensure the approach is both evidence-based and individualised.