Increase in Breast Cancer Cases Amid Decrease in Deaths in the U.S.
A recent study by the American Cancer Society highlights a concerning trend in breast cancer cases across the United States. From 2012 to 2021, the incidence of breast cancer rose by 1% annually, particularly among younger women and Asian Americans. Despite this increase, the breast cancer death rate has significantly declined, with a 44% reduction in mortality rates from 1989 to 2022. This remarkable achievement has led to the avoidance of approximately 517,900 deaths.
Breast cancer remains the second most prevalent cancer among American women and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, following lung cancer. The report indicates that the growth rate of breast cancer cases among women under 50 years old is notably higher at 1.4% annually, compared to 0.7% for older women, although the reasons behind this trend are still unclear. Additionally, the data reveals that Asian-American women experience the fastest increase in breast cancer rates, followed by Latinas, a trend attributed partly to an influx of new immigrants at higher risk for the disease.
Despite advancements in treatment and early detection, disparities persist. The death rate among Native American women has remained unchanged since 1990, while Black women face a mortality rate that exceeds that of White women by 38%, even as cases have decreased by 5%. To address these inequalities, the report's authors emphasize the need for greater racial diversity in clinical trials and improved access to quality testing for underserved populations.
In response to these findings, an independent American public health organization recommended that women begin regular mammograms at the age of 40, instead of 50, to enhance early detection efforts.
