Breast cancer remains a significant health concern, especially for women under 50. However, there is some positive news amidst the rising diagnoses – the death rates have dropped by 44% since 1989. The American Cancer Society released a report showcasing an estimated 519,000 deaths averted over the years. Despite these advancements, the latest data indicates a continuous increase in breast cancer incidence, particularly among women under 50 and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
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While overall mortality rates are on a downward trend, certain disparities persist. Native American and Alaska Native women have seen stagnant death rates, and Black women still face a 38% higher mortality rate compared to white women, attributed to delayed diagnosis and limited access to quality treatment. The urgency to bridge these gaps is evident, emphasizing the need for systemic efforts to ensure equitable access to screening and treatment for all individuals. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer at the American Cancer Society, stresses the importance of rectifying these discrepancies.
Breast cancer remains a significant threat for Hispanic women, being the leading cause of death. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, with approximately 42,250 expected deaths. Men are not immune to this disease, with 2,790 new cases and 530 deaths projected for this year.
Looking ahead, the fight against breast cancer faces challenges such as the increasing incidence among younger women and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays in diagnosis due to screening interruptions. Angela Giaquinto, lead author of the study, warns that future progress may be hindered by these factors.
Key findings from the study include:
• Black women have lower survival rates compared to white women across different breast cancer subtypes and diagnoses, except for localized disease. Native American and Alaska Native women have lower breast cancer incidence but higher mortality rates compared to white women. Asian American and Pacific Islander women have seen a 50% increase in breast cancer cases since 2000.
Legislation is in the works to reauthorize federal funding for breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment services for low-income individuals. Additionally, the American Cancer Society has launched the VOICES of Black Women initiative to address cancer disparities in Black women through a comprehensive study.
The report was based on thorough analysis of data from various sources, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and initiatives in the fight against breast cancer.