New Common Knowledge for Properly Fearing Breast Cancer: 8 Important Facts You Should Know and Perspectives from Around the World

Breast cancer awareness in 2025 is centered around the WHO's theme of "Supporting Each Story." In the United States, it is estimated that there will be 316,950 new cases, approximately 42,680 deaths, and about 2,800 cases in men, making it a prevalent disease. The mortality rate has improved, decreasing by 44% since 1989. Risk factors extend beyond genetics to include age, dense breasts, and lifestyle habits, and the disease can occur even without these risks. Symptoms can also appear outside the breast, such as in the axillary lymph nodes, skin changes, and nipple symptoms. There are many benign conditions like fibroadenomas, which are common in younger individuals, and imaging plus biopsy are key for differentiation. Screening is recommended by the US USPSTF every other year for ages 40-74, while the ACS advises annual screenings from age 45 for average risk and MRI from age 30 for high risk. On social media, discussions focus on "starting at age 40" and "annual vs. biennial screenings," along with sharing personal experiences and combating misinformation. Balancing statistics with personal stories is crucial for individualized healthcare decisions and verifying reliable information sources.