Breast Cancer Rises for Younger Women, Asian Americans: Report

Americans Have Benefited from Huge Leaps in Breast Cancer Treatment, but Diagnoses Are Becoming More Common

Americans have benefited from huge leaps in breast cancer treatment over the last two decades, but diagnoses are becoming more common, especially among younger women, according to a report published Tuesday by the American Cancer Society.

Rates of Breast Cancer Have Increased by 1% Every Year Since 2012

The new report shows that breast cancer mortality has decreased by 44% since the late 1980s, according to NBC News. Rates of breast cancer, however, have increased by 1% every year since 2012. In younger women, rates have increased at a faster clip — by about 1.4% every year since 2021.

Younger Women Are More Likely to Be Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

“That is very alarming because we know that screening only starts at age 40,” said Dr. Sonya Reid, a breast medical oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who was not involved with the report. “It’s not just one racial or ethnic group affected, we are seeing it across the board, so it’s hard to link it to ancestral or genetic factors alone.”

Asian American and Pacific Islander Women Are Particularly Affected

Among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50, breast cancer diagnoses have increased by 50% since 2000. Breast cancer rates in AAPI women younger than 50 are now higher than those in Black, Hispanic and American Indian and Alaska Native women of the same age group. In 2000, AAPI women under 50 had the second-lowest rates of breast cancer.

Reasons for the Increase Are Not Clear

The reason why more women younger than 50 are getting breast cancer is not clear, but Reid said it’s likely due to modifiable risk factors such as environmental exposures in food, air or water, rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles — the same risk factors thought to be causing higher rates of colorectal cancer in younger people.

Racial Disparity Persists

The report also highlighted a stark racial disparity that has persisted for decades — Black women are still more likely to die of any type of breast cancer than white women.

American Indian and Alaska Native Women Have Lower Chance of Getting Breast Cancer, but Higher Mortality Rate

American Indian and Alaska Native women have a 10% lower chance of getting breast cancer than white women, but are 6% more likely to die from it, the report found. Just over 50% of these women over 40 had gotten a mammogram in the past two years, compared to nearly 70% of white women.

Expanding Access to Early Screening and Best Cancer Treatments Is Key

To close disparities, the nation will have to expand access to early screening and the best cancer treatments, Wilcox said.

Conclusion

The report highlights the need for increased awareness and action to address the growing trend of breast cancer among younger women, particularly among Asian American and Pacific Islander women. Additionally, the persistence of racial disparities in breast cancer mortality underscores the need for equitable access to early screening and best cancer treatments.

FAQs

Q: What is the reason for the increase in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women?

A: The reason is not clear, but it is likely due to modifiable risk factors such as environmental exposures, rising rates of obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.

Q: Why are Asian American and Pacific Islander women particularly affected by breast cancer?

A: Breast cancer rates in AAPI women younger than 50 are now higher than those in Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native women of the same age group.

Q: How can we close the racial disparity in breast cancer mortality?

A: Expanding access to early screening and the best cancer treatments is key to closing the racial disparity in breast cancer mortality.