Breast Cancer Incidence Trends in Japan (2014–2023)
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Sources: National Cancer Center Japan – Cancer Statistics: Breast, e-Stat – National Cancer Registry
It’s worth noting that the temporary drop in 2020 was largely due to the impact of COVID-19. For a detailed explanation, see “Why Did Breast Cancer Diagnoses Decline in 2020? The Impact of COVID-19 in Japan”.
Introduction
Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in Japan. Over the past decade, the number of newly diagnosed cases has steadily increased. This article presents a data-driven overview of national trends from 2014 to 2023, based on public sources such as the National Cancer Center and e-Stat.
Data Overview
| Year | Number of Cases |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 86,000 |
| 2015 | 88,500 |
| 2016 | 91,000 |
| 2017 | 93,200 |
| 2018 | 95,000 |
| 2019 | 96,800 |
| 2020 | 94,500 (temporary drop due to COVID-19) |
| 2021 | 99,400 |
| 2022 | 101,200 |
| 2023 | 103,000 |
Sources: National Cancer Center Japan – Cancer Statistics: Breast, e-Stat – National Cancer Registry
Trends and Observations
- The overall trend shows a consistent increase in breast cancer diagnoses over the past 10 years.
- 2020 saw a temporary decline, likely due to disruptions in cancer screening and medical visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The rebound in 2021 and beyond suggests that screening rates recovered, and previously undiagnosed cases may have been detected later.
Why This Data Matters
- These trends highlight the importance of early detection and regular screening.
- Understanding incidence patterns helps inform public health strategies, resource allocation, and survivor support programs.
- This data can also be paired with regional breakdowns, age-specific trends, and treatment outcomes for deeper insights.
Sources
Sources: National Cancer Center Japan – Cancer Statistics: Breast, e-Stat – National Cancer Registry
