Summary
A specific type of breast cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), is becoming more common among women in the U.S. ILC has different characteristics from other breast cancers and may lead to worse outcomes, highlighting the need for better detection and treatment strategies. The American Cancer Society report shows that ILC cases are increasing faster than other breast cancer types.
Key Facts
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast.
- An estimated 33,600 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ILC this year.
- ILC incidence rates grew by 2.8% per year from 2012 to 2021.
- ILC accounts for just over 10% of all breast cancer cases.
- Survival rates for ILC beyond seven years are lower than for the more common invasive ductal carcinoma.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander women saw a 4.4% annual increase in ILC incidence rates from 2012 to 2021.
- White women have the highest incidence rates of ILC, followed by Black women.
- Delayed detection and resistance to therapy can worsen the prognosis of ILC.
