While the rate of breast cancer deaths in the United States continues to decline, an increase in cases among women under the age of 50 has been observed.
The overall breast cancer death rate in the United States fell by about 44% between 1989 and 2022, translating to a drop of 517,900 deaths, according to a new study from the American Cancer Society, released Tuesday. during this period.
In contrast, the incidence of breast cancer continued its upward trend, particularly among young people, increasing by 1% per year between 2012 and 2021, the study researchers report.
“This large increase does not affect all women in this situation in the same way,” Karen Knudsen, the executive director of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, told CNN.
Indeed, a “more marked” increase in the breast cancer diagnosis rate among women under 50 is observed with 1.4% per year, compared to those aged 50 and over with 0.7%.
Significant differences
This study found racial, ethnic and social disparities in cancer cases among women.
For example, Asian American and Pacific Islander women experienced a faster increase in both age groups, an increase rate of 2.7% and 2.5% per year, can -we read in the study.
“The accelerating incidence rates of breast cancer among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are particularly concerning,” noted Dr. Ruth Carlos, a professor of radiology and associate chair of clinical research at the University of Michigan.
Researchers notably observed that black women have a 38% higher mortality rate than white women, despite being 10% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
“If you look at black women aged 20 to 29, their chances of dying from breast cancer are twice as high as those of their white counterparts,” said Dr. William Dahut, the scientific director of American Cancer. Society.
This study demonstrates “worrying trends, particularly regarding breast cancer in young women,” said Dr. Carlos. “Environmental risks, lifestyle risks and genetic risk factors may contribute to this increase,” she continued.
Nearly 311,000 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among American women, affecting about one in eight women, and more than 42,000 women will die from breast cancer, according to the study.
