A recent American Cancer Society study found that 30% of breast cancer cases can be attributed to modifiable risk factors such as excess weight, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption.
The report, published Tuesday, revealed that breast cancer rates rose by 1% annually from 2012 to 2021, with significant increases observed in women under 50 and even among those in their 20s.
Despite a 44% drop in breast cancer death rates over the past three decades, the findings highlight concerning trends for younger women.
“Breast cancer typically has no symptoms when it is small and easily treated, which is why mammography screening is important for early detection,” the report authors wrote. “A painless lump in the breast or underarm lymph nodes is the most common sign, but other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; dimpling, swelling, thickening, or redness; and nipple changes or discharge. Any persistent change in the breast should be evaluated by a physician.”
The study also identified disparities in survival rates among certain demographics, attributed to late diagnoses and limited access to quality treatment. While 67% of women aged 40 and older had a breast cancer screening in the past two years, only 51% of American Indian and Alaska Native women were screened. Geographic variations were evident as well, with screening rates ranging from 58% in Wyoming to 77% in Rhode Island.
“Women today are a lot less likely to die from breast cancer, but alarming disparities still remain, especially for Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American and Black women,” William Dahut, MD, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, said. “These gaps need to be rectified through systematic efforts to ensure access to high-quality screening and treatment for every woman.”
