A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) has revealed a concerning trend in breast cancer diagnoses, particularly among younger women. While overall breast cancer mortality has declined significantly over the past three decades, the incidence of new cases is on the rise, especially for women under 50.
The study, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, shows that breast cancer diagnoses increased by about 1% each year between 2012 and 2021. However, the rate of increase was nearly twice as high for women under 50, at 1.4% annually, compared to 0.7% for those over 50.
The reasons for the increase in younger patients are unknown and still being studied.
Several factors may contribute to this troubling trend:
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially after menopause, can fuel estrogen production, a key driver of certain breast cancers.
- Delayed childbearing: Pregnancy reduces women’s breast cancer risk, so having children later in life may increase risk.
- Environmental toxins: Chemicals in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides may act as endocrine disruptors, potentially triggering abnormal cell growth.
- Genetics: Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly elevate breast cancer risk, even at a young age.
- COVID-19 pandemic: Delayed diagnoses due to interruptions in screening may have contributed to the recent uptick.
The report also highlighted racial disparities in breast cancer trends. Asian American/Pacific Islander women experienced the fastest increase in both age groups, with rates rising 2.7% per year for women under 50 and 2.5% for those over 50. Black women face a particularly challenging situation: although they are 5% less likely to get breast cancer than white women, they have a 38% higher chance of dying from it.
Despite these concerning trends, there is some good news. Deaths from breast cancer fell by 44% between 1989 and 2022, thanks to advances in screening techniques and treatments. Massachusetts boasts the lowest rate of breast cancer mortality in the nation, which experts attribute to high screening rates and a robust medical infrastructure.
To lower their risk, women can take several preventive measures:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can all help reduce risk.
- Early screening: The US Preventive Services Task Force recently lowered the recommended age for regular mammography screening from 50 to 40.
- Know your family history: Women with a significant family history of breast cancer should consider genetic counseling and may start screening earlier.
- Be aware of breast changes: Women of all ages should familiarize themselves with their breasts to quickly notice any unusual changes.
- Consider preventive medications: For high-risk patients, drugs like Tamoxifen can significantly reduce the risk of some breast cancers.
For women with dense breast tissue, which can make it harder to detect abnormalities on mammograms, additional imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs may be beneficial.
While the rising rates of breast cancer among younger women are concerning, experts emphasize that the disease remains relatively rare in this age group. The 10-year probability of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 is 0.5%, compared to 2.5% at age 50.
As research continues, the medical community remains committed to understanding and addressing this trend. All women should keep up to date with their recommended breast cancer screenings, especially now that the recommended age has been lowered to 40.
By staying informed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following recommended screening guidelines, women can take proactive steps to protect their health in the face of these changing breast cancer trends.
