Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Plummet in the U.S. but the Battle Rages On
Breast cancer, the most common cancer among U.S. women aside from skin cancers, has seen a significant decline in mortality rates over the last four decades.
From 1975 to 2019, breast cancer mortality rates in the U.S. witnessed a staggering 58% decrease, reports the Washington Post. This reduction is largely attributed to advancements in early detection through mammography screening and improvements in treatment options.
According to Stanford Medicine researchers, nearly half of this reduction (47%) is credited to more effective treatments for stages 1 to 3 breast cancer, while improved screening methods account for about 25%.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women, excluding skin cancers.
Current Breast Cancer Landscape
As of 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women. Despite the decline in mortality rates, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women, with about 42,250 women expected to succumb to the disease in 2024, reports the American Cancer Society.
Breast cancer death rates have decreased by 43% from 1989 to 2020.
Age and Incidence Rates
Breast cancer primarily affects middle-aged and older women, with the median age at diagnosis being 62, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The average risk of a U.S. woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is approximately 13%. However, the incidence rate has been increasing slightly by 0.6% per year, with a more noticeable increase of 1.0% per year in women under 50. This underscores the need for continued vigilance in early detection and treatment strategies.
In 2024, an estimated 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Despite overall progress, not all groups have benefited equally. Black women, in particular, face a 40% higher risk of dying from breast cancer compared to White women, despite having a lower incidence rate, reports the American Cancer Society.
This disparity has remained unchanged for a decade, and points to systemic issues in access to care and treatment quality.
The Challenge of Younger Women
A concerning trend is the halt in declining mortality rates among U.S. women younger than 40, reports the Radiological Society of North America. This cessation, noted after 2010, is partly attributed to the rise in distant-stage breast cancer incidence rates in this age group.
Breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new female cancer cases each year.
Moving Forward
The steady decrease in breast cancer death rates since 1989, culminating in a 43% drop by 2020, represents a significant achievement in the fight against breast cancer. However, the pace of this decline has slowed in recent years, partly due to a stagnation in screening uptake and challenges in the timely receipt of high-quality treatment, the ACS reports.
Efforts to close the persistent gap in mortality rates, especially among Black women, and to address the stagnation in progress among younger women are crucial. This includes enhancing access to screening and treatment, improving the quality of care across all populations, and increasing investment in research for early detection and treatment methods.
While significant strides have been made in reducing breast cancer mortality rates, the battle is far from over. Continued efforts are needed to address the disparities that persist and to ensure that all women, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity, have access to the care and treatment they need.
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