11,009 new breast cancer diagnoses in 2018

According to the most recent figures from the Cancer Registry Foundation, a total of 11,009 Belgians were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. With 10,905 new diagnoses in 2018, breast cancer unfortunately remains the most common cancer in women. In addition to women, 104 men were also diagnosed. Compared to recent years, the figures remain relatively stable.

The figures for the so-called ‘cumulative risk’ up to the age of 74 also remain roughly the same compared to previous years. In Flanders, women have an 11 % chance of developing breast cancer before their 75th birthday, in Brussels this is 11.6 % and in Wallonia even 11.7 %. 1 in 9 women in Belgium will therefore have to deal with breast cancer before the age of 75. Fortunately, the chances of recovery continue to increase year after year.

Breast cancer in Belgium today has a cure rate of more than 90 %. That's good news, but our dream remains a world without breast cancer. That is why we continue to invest in research into prevention, treatment and aftercare.

Source: Belgian Cancer Registry, Brussels, 2020.