A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) highlights both encouraging and troubling trends in breast cancer statistics for 2024.
While breast cancer mortality rates have continued to decline, incidence rates are on the rise, particularly among younger women and Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations.
A team of researchers from the American Cancer Society, Harvard Medical School, and Weill Cornell Medicine wrote about their study and findings in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians ( citation below).
This article provides an overview of these findings and explores the critical disparities that persist across different racial and ethnic groups, as well as the geographic differences in breast cancer outcomes across the United States.
Breast Cancer Mortality Declines by 44%, Saving Over Half a Million Lives
Since 1989, breast cancer mortality rates have dropped by an impressive 44%, preventing nearly 518,000 deaths.
This reduction is attributed to advancements in early detection and treatment, which have significantly improved patient outcomes.
The availability of regular screening, especially mammograms, has played a vital role in detecting the disease at earlier stages when it is more treatable.
Despite this progress, the ACS report underscores that certain populations have not fully benefited from these advances.
Notably, Native American and Alaska Native (AIAN) women have seen no significant change in mortality rates over the last 30 years, underscoring the need for more equitable access to healthcare and screenings.
Concerning Rise in Breast Cancer Incidence, Particularly Among Younger Women
While mortality rates are decreasing, the incidence of breast cancer has risen by 1% annually from 2012 to 2021.
Particularly worrying is the 1.4% yearly increase in women under 50, compared to a 0.7% rise in those 50 and older.
AAPI women, in particular, have experienced the most significant increase, with annual rises of 2.7% for those under 50 and 2.5% for those over 50. By 2021, AAPI women under 50 had one of the highest breast cancer rates, along with White women, surpassing Black, Hispanic, and AIAN women.
This trend mirrors similar patterns seen in other cancers, such as colorectal cancer, where diagnoses in younger people are becoming more common.
Researchers are exploring lifestyle factors, environmental risks, and genetic predispositions as potential contributors to this rise.
Disparities Persist: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breast Cancer Outcomes
The 2024 report reveals stark disparities in breast cancer outcomes across racial and ethnic lines.
Black women continue to face a 38% higher breast cancer mortality rate than White women, despite having a 5% lower incidence rate.
Black women are also more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and have lower survival rates for almost every breast cancer subtype, except localized disease.
AAPI women have shown the fastest increase in breast cancer incidence, but their mortality rate remains lower compared to other groups.
On the other hand, AIAN women, despite having a 10% lower incidence rate than White women, suffer from a 6% higher mortality rate.
Factors contributing to these disparities include access to care, socioeconomic status, and differences in screening rates. For instance, only 51% of AIAN women aged 40 and above had undergone mammography in the past two years, compared to 68% of White women.
Geographic Differences in Breast Cancer Rates and Mortality
Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates also vary significantly by region.
For instance, Nevada reported the lowest breast cancer incidence at 113 cases per 100,000 women, while North Carolina had the highest at 143 per 100,000.
Mortality rates show similar variation, ranging from 15 deaths per 100,000 women in Massachusetts to 24 per 100,000 in the District of Columbia.
These geographic differences are influenced by a variety of factors, including public health policies, the prevalence of cancer risk factors, and access to care.
States with better access to screenings and healthcare tend to have lower mortality rates, highlighting the importance of expanding healthcare programs and policies that promote early detection.
Prevention and Early Detection: Key to Combatting Rising Incidence
Despite rising breast cancer incidence, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption, is crucial.
For women at higher risk, preventive medications and regular screenings can significantly lower the chances of developing breast cancer.
The ACS advocates for equitable access to breast cancer screenings and treatments for all women, regardless of socioeconomic background. Through initiatives like the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) and advocacy efforts like the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act, the ACS aims to expand these services to underserved populations.
Final Thoughts
While breast cancer mortality rates in the U.S. have significantly declined, rising incidence rates among younger women and racial disparities in outcomes pose new challenges.
Addressing these trends will require a multifaceted approach that includes better access to healthcare, expanded screening programs, and a focus on prevention through healthy lifestyle choices. By focusing on these areas, further progress can be made in the fight against breast cancer for all women.
Citation
Giacuinto, A. N., Sung, H., Newman, L. A., Freedman, R. A., Smith, R. A., Star, J., Jemal, A., & Siegel, R. L. (2024). Breast cancer statistics 2024. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21863