### Rising Breast Cancer Incidence Rates Highlight Health Disparities in the US

The recently released biennial report by the American Cancer Society reveals both positive and alarming trends in breast cancer statistics in the United States. From 2012 to 2021, the number of breast cancer cases grew by one percent annually, while the overall death rate continued to fall, marking a 44 percent decline from 1989 to 2022.

Breast cancer remains the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among American women, next to lung cancer. The disease affects approximately one in eight women in the United States over their lifetime, and about one in 43, or two percent, will succumb to it. Although advances in medical treatment and early detection have contributed to the reduction in mortality rates, these benefits have not been distributed equally across all demographics.

Over the past decade, the rate of breast cancer diagnoses has increased more rapidly among women under 50 compared to those over 50, with annual increases of 1.4 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively. The report highlights a notable rise in breast cancer cases among Asian American women, followed by Hispanic women, which could be partially attributed to new immigrants who have a higher risk of the disease.

Despite the deaths from breast cancer decreasing from 33 per 100,000 women in 1989 to 19 per 100,000 in 2022—resulting in around 517,900 averted deaths—not all communities have benefited equally. Native Americans have seen no change in breast cancer mortality rates since 1990, and Black women face a 38 percent higher death rate from breast cancer compared to White women, despite having a five percent lower incidence rate.

These disparities point to broader issues of systemic racism and inequalities in social determinants of health, the report suggests. For instance, although Black women report higher rates of mammogram screenings than White women, they often receive these screenings at facilities that lack adequate resources or are not accredited by the American College of Radiology.

The report's authors call for increased racial diversity in clinical trials and the formation of community partnerships to improve access to high-quality screening for underserved women. In April, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its guidelines, recommending that women begin biennial breast cancer screenings from the age of 40. Previously, the USPSTF had suggested that women in their 40s make individualized decisions regarding mammograms based on personal health factors, delaying the universal recommendation until age 50.