Atlanta, Georgia – A recent report from the American Cancer Society revealed a concerning trend in breast cancer diagnoses among women aged 50 and younger. While breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 44% since 1989, diagnoses of the disease have been steadily increasing by 1% each year between 2012 and 2021.
Lead author Angela Giaquinto, an associate scientist at the ACS, highlighted the impact of this rise in diagnoses on the future progress of combating breast cancer. Particularly alarming was the increase in breast cancer rates among women under 50, rising by 1.4% annually compared to 0.7% in older women.
Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the ACS, emphasized the importance of addressing disparities that still exist, especially among Asian-American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Black women. Efforts to ensure access to high-quality screening and treatment for all women are crucial in closing these gaps.
Breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women, following skin cancer. Approximately 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, leading to around 42,250 deaths from the disease. The reasons behind the increased prevalence of breast cancer in younger patients are complex and multifaceted, including factors like obesity, delayed childbearing, environmental toxins, and genetic mutations.
Experts also noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women due to interruptions in screening. The importance of early detection through regular screenings was emphasized, along with lifestyle factors like moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight, and remaining physically active to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Giaquinto stressed the significance of staying up to date with recommended breast cancer screenings, especially for younger women, as screening guidelines have recently been adjusted. By being aware of family history and personal risk factors, women can take proactive steps to lower their risk of developing breast cancer.
Overall, the increasing trend in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women underscores the importance of continued research, awareness, and access to quality care in the fight against this prevalent disease.