In 2024, the number of cancer cases among women in Japan reached approximately , which made it the most common type of cancer for women. The estimated total number of cancer cases for Japanese women in that year amounted to almost 421,000.
Most common types of cancer in Japan
Following breast cancer, colon and rectum, lung, as well as stomach were the most frequently diagnosed cancer sites among women in Japan. In contrast, prostate cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men, followed by stomach, colon and rectum, and lung cancer. Different types of cancer rank among the most common causes of death among Japanese people. In terms of cancer-related mortality among women in Japan, lung cancer claimed the highest number of lives in recent years, followed by pancreatic cancer.
Prevention and treatment of breast cancer
In recent years, colon, cervix, lung, breast, and stomach were the most common cancer sites for screening in Japan. This was supported by a survey from 2023, in which over 36 percent of Japanese women stated that they had a cancer screening in the past two years. More attention has been given to breast cancer treatment as the incidence of breast cancer in Japan has grown throughout the past decades. Consequently, the number of general hospitals equipped with breast surgery departments increased as well. The early detection of breast cancer is crucial to increase the chance of survival. The primary approach to breast cancer treatment involves surgical removal of the cancer, though preoperative drug therapy may be administered based on the cancer's condition.