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Breast cancer deaths down, but cases up — especially in younger women

By Austin Williams
Published  October 2, 2024 5:07pm EDT
Health
FOX TV Digital Team

Health headlines: rising cancer rates

Dr. Heather Hinshelwood, owner & CMO of the Fraum Center, joins LiveNOW from FOX to talk about your top health headlines.

The Brief:

    • Breast cancer deaths dropped 44% since 1989, but cases increased 1% annually from 2012 to 2021, especially among young women and minorities.
    • Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite lower rates of the disease.
    • The study calls for better access to care for minority groups to reduce deaths.

LOS ANGELES - A new study from the American Cancer Society published on Tuesday offers a mixed update on breast cancer in the U.S. While breast cancer deaths have decreased by 44% since 1989, the number of new cases has been rising by about 1% per year since 2012. 

This increase is more pronounced among younger women and certain minority groups.

Why are more women being diagnosed with breast cancer?

The rise in breast cancer cases, especially among women under 50, is largely due to increased detection of hormone receptor-positive and early-stage cancers, researchers note. 

The study notes that younger Asian American/Pacific Islander women have seen the sharpest increase in diagnosis, and this trend mirrors rising cases in other cancers like colorectal cancer, where younger populations are also increasingly affected.

Racial disparities in survival rates remain a concern

Despite improvements in treatment and detection, racial disparities persist. Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, even though they are less likely to develop the disease. 

This difference is driven by factors like lower rates of early detection and higher rates of more aggressive cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancer.

FILE - Medical personnel use a mammogram to examine a woman's breast for breast cancer.  (Photo by Michael Hanschke/picture alliance via Getty Images)

How can you reduce your risk of breast cancer?

While some risk factors, like age or family history, can't be changed, there are lifestyle choices that can help lower your risk, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
  • Stay physically active to promote overall health.
  • Limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.
  • Consult your doctor about the risks of hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills.
  • Breastfeed if possible, as it may reduce your risk.
  • If you have a family history or genetic factors (like BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations), talk to your doctor about preventive options.
The Source: 
This study is based on data from the American Cancer Society published this month.