[Source – bcrf.org]
Breast cancer rates in the U.S. have steadily increased by 1 percent annually between 2012 and 2021, as reported by the American Cancer Society. This rise is particularly concerning among women under the age of 50 and Asian American/Pacific Islander women across all age groups. The study, one of the most detailed reports in recent years, emphasizes the growing threat breast cancer poses to younger populations. It reveals that one in 50 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer before turning 50, based on data from the National Cancer Institute.
The most significant rise in breast cancer cases occurred among women in their 20s, with a 2.2 percent annual increase. Despite this sharp rise, the absolute risk for young women remains relatively low, with 6.5 cases per 100,000 women in this age group. Asian American/Pacific Islander women, who have historically had low rates of breast cancer, experienced a worrying increase as well. Among women under 50, the rate increased by 2.7 percent annually, while older women in this group saw a 2.5 percent annual rise. While breast cancer is traditionally associated with aging, the growing number of cases in younger women signals a concerning shift.
Challenges and Screening Guidelines for Early-Onset Cancers
Early-onset breast cancers, especially among younger women, present unique challenges. These cancers are often aggressive and difficult to detect early because routine screenings are typically aimed at older women. Many young women, like 34-year-old Traci Delaney, face delays in diagnosis due to a lack of awareness and systemic hurdles. Delaney’s case highlights the common experience of young women whose symptoms are often dismissed or overlooked due to their age, leading to more advanced disease by the time they receive treatment.
In response to the increasing breast cancer rates among younger women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the recommended age for mammogram screenings from 50 to 40, reversing a previous guideline. The American Cancer Society also advises women at average risk to begin annual screenings at age 45, with the option to start at 40. These changes reflect an evolving understanding of the importance of early detection in improving survival rates.
Despite the rising incidence of breast cancer, mortality rates have declined significantly, with deaths from breast cancer rates dropping by 10 percent over the past decade. Improved screening techniques and advancements in treatment have contributed to this decline. However, disparities remain in access to these lifesaving measures.
Disparities in Survival Rates Among Minority Women
While breast cancer deaths have dropped overall, the benefits of early detection and treatment have not been equally shared across all demographics. The report highlights that survival breast cancer rates for Native American and Alaska Native women have not improved at all, and breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Black women. Black women face a 38 percent higher death rate than white women, in part due to being more frequently diagnosed with more aggressive, harder-to-treat tumor types.
The challenges faced by Black women go beyond biological factors. A study from Mass General Brigham revealed that Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer of all types, suggesting that systemic issues such as delayed diagnosis and barriers to timely, high-quality care play a role. Experts, like Rebecca L. Siegel from the American Cancer Society, call for improved access to better screening and treatment, particularly for women of color, to address these inequities. “We need to expand that progress to all women,” Siegel emphasized, underscoring the urgent need to address healthcare disparities.
The report estimates that 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among U.S. women in 2024, including 13,180 cases in women under 40. An additional 42,250 women are expected to die from breast cancer this year, further highlighting the ongoing need for awareness, improved screening, and equitable access to care across all populations.
