Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, with over 315,000 new cases expected in 2025. Experts anticipate that about 14% of cancer-related mortalities will be attributed to breast cancer, accounting for over 40,000 deaths.
A recent study published in the Journal of Breast Imaging set out to quantify the changes in breast cancer mortality rates (BCMR) among women in specific cohorts based on age and ethnicity. The researchers obtained data from the National Center for Health Statistics related to women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1990 and 2022.
The researchers looked at BCMR between 1999 and 2010. Over this time, BCMR for young women (ages 20 to 39) declined by about 3% per year. The study also assessed BCMR in the most recent period from 2010 to 2022. During this time, the analysis revealed no decline in BCMR among women aged 20 to 39.
Among women aged 40 to 74, BCMR decreased between 1.7 to 3.9% per year between 1990 and 2022. In this age group, BCMR decreased for almost all ethnic groups, including White, Black, Hispanic, and Native American women.
When evaluating BCMR for women 75 and older, the study showed significant declines between 1993 and 2013. However, these women exhibited no decrease in BCMR between 2013 and 2022.
In addition, the study found that BCMR differed significantly among ethnic groups. Between 2004 and 2022, breast cancer-related mortalities occurred 39% more frequently in Black women compared to White women. This trend appears inversely correlated with age, with BCMR in young Black women 104% greater than in young White women. For the cohorts of women aged 40 to 74 and 75 and above, the Black women exhibited a 51% and 13% greater BCMR compared to White women.
The study's findings underscore the urgency of the issue, as the BCMR for women aged 22 to 39 and 75 and older has plateaued. The study also reaffirms the persistent racial disparities in breast cancer-related deaths between Black and White women, providing crucial insights for future research and screening programs.
Sources: CA, J Breast Imag
