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Cancer in South Carolina

Female Breast Cancer

Female Breast Cancer Incidence Rate

  • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in SC and the US.
  • In 2017-2021, the female breast cancer incidence rate in SC was 133.7 cases per 100,000 women.
  • In 2017-2021, the female breast cancer incidence rate in US was 129.8 cases per 100,000 women.
  • In this time period (2017-2021), SC ranked 18th highest among the other 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Female Breast Cancer Mortality Rate

  • Breast cancer is 2nd most common cancer cause of death among women in SC and the US.
  • In 2017-2021, the female breast cancer mortality rate in SC was 21.4 deaths per 100,000 women.
  • In 2017-2021, the female breast cancer mortality rate in the US was 19.6 deaths per 100,000 women.
  • In this time period, SC ranked 8th highest among the other 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Screening

Screening is extremely important for early detection of breast cancer. Women should speak with their physician about what age they should start mammograms based on their level of risk. There are differing national recommendations on age to begin screening. If someone finds a lump, skin change, or any other breast changes or unusual discharge from the nipple(s), see a physician right away. Annual clinical breast exams and routine monthly breast self-exams are important as well. It is also important to remember, while a rare occurrence, men can develop breast cancer too.

Best Chance Network (BCN)

The Best Chance Network (BCN) provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women in South Carolina. Since 1991, BCN has been providing the following breast and cervical cancer screening services: clinical breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams, Pap tests, and HPV tests. Eligible clients can receive these services if they are 21-64 years old (cervical cancer screenings), 30-64 years old (breast cancer screenings), have no health insurance or are underinsured, and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. In addition to screening services, BCN also provides public and professional education, surveillance, quality assurance, and patient navigation for diagnostic follow-up and treatment. If a woman screened through BCN needs treatment for breast or cervical cancer, she may be eligible to apply for Medicaid.