Israel Reports 5,565 New Breast Cancer Cases in 2023

Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Israel's Ministry of Health released its 2023 National Cancer Registry data. Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among women in Israel, accounting for approximately one-third of all new cancer cases in women. In 2023, 5,565 new cases were diagnosed, including 4,858 cases (87%) of invasive breast cancer and 707 cases of carcinoma in situ.

Positive trends are also noted. Since 2013, there has been a statistically significant annual decrease of 1.6% in the risk of invasive breast cancer for Jewish and other women, while rates for Arab women have stabilized since 2015. Compared to 186 countries, Israel ranks 33rd in incidence but 125th in mortality, indicating high survival rates due to advanced diagnosis and treatment. More tumors are being diagnosed at earlier stages, with a decrease in the proportion of cases detected at advanced metastatic stages.

Additional key 2023 data shows that as of year-end, 25,466 women diagnosed between 2019 and 2023 were living in Israel, encompassing both survivors and those currently undergoing treatment. A total of 999 women died from the disease, representing about 18% of all cancer deaths among women in Israel. Since 1996, there has been a significant decline in mortality rates for Jewish and other women, while rates for Arab women have remained stable.

The five-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed between 2012 and 2019 was 92% for Jewish and other women, and 87% for Arab women, with greater improvement observed in those diagnosed more recently. The National Early Detection Program recommends biennial mammograms for women aged 50-74 at average risk, and annual screenings for those aged 40 and above with increased risk.

Professor Lital Keinan, Director of the National Center for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, stated, "The data indicates significant progress in managing breast cancer in Israel. More cases are being diagnosed at early stages, survival rates are high, and mortality rates are trending downwards for a segment of the population." She emphasized that early detection is crucial and urged continued adherence to screening recommendations and prompt medical consultation for any suspicious changes.