Breast Cancer Death Rates Drop, But Diagnoses Increase in Younger Women

Breast cancer deaths continue to decline among U.S. women, according to a recent report from the American Cancer Society (ACS). Since 1989, breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 44%, preventing nearly 518,000 deaths. Despite this positive trend, researchers also noted a concerning rise in breast cancer diagnoses, particularly among younger women.

From 2012 to 2021, the overall breast cancer diagnosis rate increased by 1% annually. Specifically, among women under 50, the rate rose by 1.4% each year. Asian American women saw a 2.5% annual increase, while Pacific Islander women experienced a 2.7% rise. These statistics suggest that while fewer women are dying from breast cancer, more are being diagnosed at younger ages.

Angela Giaquinto, an ACS associate scientist and lead author of the study, expressed optimism over the decreasing death rates, attributing the decline to advancements in early detection and improved treatments. However, she also raised concerns about the rising number of diagnoses, especially among younger women. “Future progress may be thwarted by increasing incidence, especially among younger women, and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as delayed diagnosis due to interruptions in screening,” she said.

Experts are still exploring the reasons behind the increase in diagnoses among younger women. Dr. Cindy Cen, a breast surgeon at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, suggested several factors could be contributing, including more frequent screenings, heightened awareness about self-exams, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. She pointed out, “Diet, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, alcohol intake all factor into breast cancer risk.”

Dr. Cen also mentioned that this trend of younger cancer diagnoses is not limited to breast cancer, with a similar pattern observed in colon cancer cases. “This younger trend is definitely troubling to see and needs further investigation,” she said.

Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in U.S. women, second only to skin cancer. The ACS predicts that over 310,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year, along with around 2,790 cases in men. Additionally, it’s estimated that 42,250 women and 530 men will die from the disease in 2024.

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