A new report from the American Cancer Society reveals a significant decline in breast cancer death rates over the past three decades, yet stark racial disparities persist. Since 1989, breast cancer mortality has decreased by 44%, averting an estimated 519,000 deaths. However, this progress is overshadowed by the continued disproportionate impact on Black women.
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Despite a 5% lower incidence of breast cancer, Black women face a 38% higher mortality rate compared to white women. This disparity is attributed to later diagnoses and limited access to high-quality treatment. Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, emphasizes the urgent need to address these gaps through systematic efforts to ensure equitable access to screening and treatment for all women.
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The report also highlights concerning trends among younger women and other racial groups. Breast cancer incidence has been rising by 1% annually since 2012, with a more pronounced 1.4% increase among women under 50. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have experienced an even steeper annual increase of 2.5% to 2.7%.
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In response to these persistent disparities, the American Cancer Society has launched an ambitious initiative called VOICES of Black Women. This large-scale study aims to survey 100,000 Black women over 30 years, addressing the ongoing cancer disparities in this community.
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As breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic women and the most common cancer among U.S. women overall, these findings underscore the critical importance of targeted interventions to improve outcomes for all women, regardless of race or ethnicity.
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See “Breast cancer deaths have been dropping for decades, but racial disparities persist” (October 1, 2024)
