Although early detection methods have significantly contributed to the decrease in breast cancer mortality rates, new data from the American Cancer Society reveal that these rates for Black women continue to lag.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in Black women, according to the latest edition of American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Statistics, 2022. The new data indicate that while Black women have lower incidence of breast cancer diagnosis, their mortality rates are 40% higher than those observed in white women.
“This is not new, and it is not explained by more aggressive cancer,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director, surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report. “We have been reporting this same disparity year after year for a decade. It is time for health systems to take a hard look at how they are caring differently for Black women.”
The report indicates that this disparity has persisted since 2004. Additional insight from the most recent statistics provided by ACS including the following:
- Breast cancer incidence has risen by .5% every year since 2004; this is attributed to a rise in localized-stages and hormone-receptor-positive diagnoses.
- From 1989 to 2020, breast cancer deaths dropped by 43% thanks to earlier detection methods, increased awareness and improved treatments.
- Black women are the least likely of any racial/ethnic group to be diagnosed at a localized stage (57% vs 68% for white women).
- Black women also have the lowest 5-year relative survival rate of any racial/ethnic group for breast cancer of any subtype and stage, other than stage 1.
“Coordinated and concerted efforts by policy makers and healthcare systems and providers are needed to provide optimal breast cancer care to all populations, including expansion of Medicaid in the non-expansion Southern and Midwest states, where Black women are disproportionately represented,” Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president, surveillance & health equity science and contributing author of the study, said in a statement.
Jemal also called for increased investments dedicated towards early detection methods and treatments. Echoing this sentiment, Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), called for funds to be directed specifically to the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), stating that this was a “critical” step in closing the persistent gaps in care among Black women.
For more information on the report, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.