Dignity Health Urges Continued Vigilance as Latest Statistics Underscore Enduring Impact of Breast Cancer

Stockton, Calif. (October 7, 2025) – Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center urges everyone to prioritize their breast health in light of new statistics underscoring the disease's persistent challenge. Despite significant advancements in early detection and treatment offering renewed hope, breast cancer continues to profoundly impact millions worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2024, almost 375K women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 42K of them were projected to die from the disease. Breast cancer also affects men, with almost 2,800 men being diagnosed and around 530 are expected to lose their battle with the disease. 

"These statistics serve as a powerful reminder that breast cancer remains a formidable adversary," says Gauravjit Singh, MD, Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Cancer Institute. "While survival rates have improved significantly over the past decades thanks to research and early detection, the sheer volume of new diagnoses and the number of lives lost underscore the critical need for ongoing awareness, research funding, and equitable access to screening and treatment."

At St. Joseph’s, we are committed to providing the most advanced care in the fight against breast cancer. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies include 3D mammography with tomosynthesis for earlier detection, advanced MRI for comprehensive staging and targeted radiation therapies like IMRT/SBRT for precision tumor destruction, in addition to breast nurse navigators to help guide patients through their treatment and recovery journeys. 

“These cutting-edge tools empower our expert team to deliver unparalleled accuracy in diagnosis, optimize treatment strategies, and ultimately improve outcomes and quality of life for our patients,” adds Dr. Singh. 

Early detection is paramount in the fight against breast cancer, with a 99% five-year survival rate for localized cases. Understanding your personal risk factors, including lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol, can help reduce risk. Dignity Health emphasizes personalized screening discussions with healthcare providers, noting general guidelines suggest annual mammograms for women starting at 40 or 45, while advancements in targeted and immunotherapies continue to offer new hope for patients.

For more information about breast cancer and screening guidelines, please visit DignityHealth.org/Stockton/CancerCare or consult with your primary care physician.

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About St. Joseph’s Medical Center:

Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center is a not-for-profit, fully accredited, regional hospital with 355 beds, a physician staff of over 700, and more than 2,700 employees. Specializing in cardiovascular care, comprehensive cancer services, and women and children's services, St. Joseph's is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. As a Sponsoring Institution for Graduate Medical Education, St. Joseph’s supports rapidly growing educational programs for both resident physicians and medical students. In addition to being nationally recognized as a quality leader, St. Joseph's is consistently chosen as the "most preferred hospital" by local consumers. St. Joseph's is the largest hospital, as well as one of the largest private employers in San Joaquin County. Founded in 1899 by Fr. William O'Connor and administered by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, St. Joseph's continues to lead the region in medical innovation. St. Joseph's Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit Catholic health system with care sites across 21 states dedicated to advancing health for all people. For more information, please visit DignityHealth.org/Stockton.