UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER STATISTICS & SURVIVAL RATES

Why Are Breast Cancer Statistics & Survival Rates Important?

Breast cancer statistics helps inform public policy and research priorities. It is also important to record how different factors can vary these statistics. For example: types of cancer, stage of cancer, age and gender. 

This information allows doctors to better inform their patients of their individualised survival chances, which can also help to inform treatments. 

New Cases of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for females in Australia and New Zealand. 

According to the latest cancer report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 20,000 cases of breast cancer were estimated to be diagnosed in 2025 in Australia, which equates to 56 people each day. 

This is around 27% of the estimated cancers diagnosed in females. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia for persons aged 20 to 39 and persons aged 40 to 59. 

Breast cancer age-standardised incidence has increased from 134 cases per 100,000 females in 2000 to an estimated 140 cases per 100,000 females in 2025. A large portion of this increase occurred around 2013 when breast cancer screening was expanded to include women aged 70 to 74.  

Breast cancer 5-year survival improved from 75% in 1987–1991 to 93% in 2017–2021. 

In New Zealand, approximately 3,700 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and the chance of surviving five years is 88%.  

The chance of surviving at least ten years in Australia is 83%, while in New Zealand it is 80-95%, if detected early via a mammogram. 

Survival Statistics By Stage of Diagnosis

The relative five-year survival rate for a female diagnosed with breast cancer in its earliest stage or stage one is effectively 100%, according to 2011 data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. When females are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (advanced or stage four), the 5-year survival rate is reduced to 32%. This highlights the importance of detecting cancer at an earlier stage to improve survival chances. 

On average, breast cancer in females is diagnosed at stage one or two. The higher proportion of cases diagnosed as stage one and two for breast cancer may be partly attributable to the national breast cancer screening program. 

Breast Cancer Mortality Rates

In 2025, it is estimated that around 3,300 females will die from breast cancer. It is estimated to be the 5th most common cause of death from cancer in Australia in 2025. The risk of dying from breast cancer by the age of 85 is estimated to be 1 in 57 for females and 1 in 5,989 for males.

In New Zealand, approximately 630 people will die from breast cancer this year. About 70% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 80% of women who die from it are 50 years or older.