Israel's Health Ministry Urges Breast Cancer Awareness Amid Rising Cases

Israel's Ministry of Health has issued guidance to women regarding breast cancer, a disease that remains the most common cancer among Israeli women, accounting for approximately one-third of all new diagnoses. In 2023, 5,565 new cases were identified nationwide. Despite the high incidence, breast cancer mortality rates in Israel are among the lowest globally, attributed to early detection and advanced treatment methods. Of the 2023 cases, 4,858 were invasive breast cancer, and 707 were non-invasive localized tumors.

The Ministry noted a positive trend: since 2013, the incidence of invasive breast cancer has decreased by an average of 1.6% annually among Jewish women and other population groups, while it has stabilized among Arab women since 2015. Israel ranks 33rd out of 186 countries in breast cancer incidence but 125th in mortality, a disparity credited to high patient survival rates due to early diagnosis and modern treatments.

More breast cancer cases are being detected at earlier stages in Israel, with a declining proportion of diagnoses involving metastases. By the end of 2023, 25,466 women diagnosed between 2019 and 2023 were living in the country. In 2023, 999 women died from breast cancer, representing about 18% of all cancer deaths among women. Mortality rates have been declining among Jewish women and other groups since 1996, while remaining stable for Arab patients.

Five-year survival rates for diagnoses between 2012 and 2019 reached 92% for Jewish women and other groups, and 87% for Arab women, with further increases in later periods. The Ministry recommends annual mammograms for women aged 50-74 with average risk every two years, and annually from age 40 for those at higher risk. Expanded screening and advancements in diagnostic and treatment methods are credited with reducing mortality and improving survival.

Professor Lital Keinan, Director of the Ministry of Health's National Center for Disease Control, stated, "The data indicate significant progress in the fight against breast cancer in Israel. More cases are being detected at early stages, survival rates are high, and mortality among a portion of the population shows a downward trend."