Israel Sees High Breast Cancer Incidence But Low Mortality Rates

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among women in Israel, accounting for approximately one-third of all new cancer cases in women. According to 2023 data released by the Ministry of Health, 5,565 new cases were diagnosed, with 87% being invasive tumors and the remainder being in situ tumors. Positive trends include a significant annual decrease of 1.6% in the risk of developing invasive breast cancer among Jewish and other women since 2013, while rates have stabilized among Arab women since 2015. More tumors are being diagnosed at earlier stages, with a decrease in diagnoses at the metastatic stage.

Internationally, Israel ranks 33rd out of 186 countries in breast cancer incidence but significantly lower, at 125th, in mortality rates. The Ministry of Health attributes this disparity to high survival rates resulting from advanced diagnosis and treatment. As of the end of 2023, 25,466 women were living with a breast cancer diagnosis from 2019-2023. In 2023, 999 women died from the disease, representing about 18% of all cancer deaths among women in Israel. A significant decrease in breast cancer mortality has been observed among Jewish and other women since 1996, while rates remain stable for Arab women.

Five-year relative survival rates for those diagnosed between 2012 and 2019 were 92% for Jewish and other women and 87% for Arab women, with further improvements noted for later diagnoses. Mammography is the primary tool for early detection and has been proven to reduce mortality. Additional screening methods like ultrasound and MRI may be recommended based on individual risk and breast tissue density. The national early detection program advises average-risk women aged 50-74 to undergo mammography every two years and high-risk women to have annual screenings starting at age 40.

The Ministry of Health credits increased screening, technological advancements, and improved medical care for the declining mortality and rising survival rates. Genetic testing for BRCA mutations, which significantly increase breast cancer risk, is recommended for certain populations. Since 2020, women of Ashkenazi descent have been eligible for screening for common mutations, with expanded coverage to women of Ethiopian descent starting in September 2025. However, a normal screening result does not rule out other mutations, and genetic counseling is advised for those with a concerning personal or family history.