A new American Cancer Society report showed the rate of new breast cancer cases increased by 1% each year from 2012-2021. A larger increase was observed among women younger than 50 years than those 50 or older (1.4% vs 0.7) and Asian American/Pacific Islander women in both age groups (2.7% and 2.5%). Women aged 40 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer are recommended to get a mammogram every 2 years. 

The increased trends observed in recent years may be due to post-pandemic “catch-up” mammography and diagnoses in 2021. The steeper increases among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) women may be influenced by variations in risk factors between immigrant and U.S.-born Asian women, with some studies suggesting different risk profiles for each group. In contrast, breast cancer death rates declined by 44% from 1989 to 2022, resulting in 517,900 fewer deaths during this period.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the US. Breast cancer typically occurs in middle-aged or older women, with the median age at time of breast cancer diagnosis being 62 overall but younger for Hispanic (57 years), AAPI (57 years), Black (60 years), and AIAN (60 years) women compared to White women (64 years). 

A painless lump in the breast or underarm lymph nodes is the most common sign of breast cancer. Other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; dimpling, swelling, thickening or redness; and nipple changes or discharge. 

Lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors include alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, not having children, not breastfeeding, taking birth control or menopausal hormone therapy, and breast implants. Some unchangeable risk factors for breast cancer include being born female, aging, inheriting certain gene changes, dense breasts, family history of breast cancer, and personal history of breast cancer.

Breast cancer screenings cannot prevent breast cancer, instead they help find breast cancer at its early stages when it is easier to treat. Along with routine screenings, monthly breast self-exams can also help in noticing changes in breasts or detect when something feels different.  

Mammograms are the most common type of breast cancer screening, used for women above 40 with or without symptoms. For symptomatic women younger than 40, a breast ultrasound test is recommended. Breast ultrasounds are especially useful for women with dense breast tissue. Both breast MRI and a yearly mammogram are recommended for certain women at high risk of breast cancer. 

Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy. Choice of treatment option is dependent on the type of cancer and the extent of its spread. Consultations with cancer doctors are recommended when deciding on treatment options available according to type and stage of cancer, as well as risks/benefits and side effects.  

Further research is needed to identify why women who are younger than 50 and are Asian American/Pacific Islander experience increased rates of new breast cancer cases. 

Breast cancer researchers are still learning how certain risk factors play a role in breast cancer development.