Among Asian/Pacific Islander and Latina women, roughly 12 to 14 women per 100,000 die. Comparatively, 21 out of every 100,000 American Indian women die and 27 per 100,000 Black women.
The report indicated Black women have a 5% lower occurrence of having breast cancer than white women, but face a 38% higher death rate.
Despite not being diagnosed as frequently, deaths are more common among Black women, and they are often diagnosed with tumors that are difficult to treat. Study authors said this is largely due to being diagnosed at later stages, which stems from less access to healthcare, screening methods and high-quality treatment.
Similarly, American Indian/Alaska Native women also have a lower occurrence of breast cancer than white women but face a 6% higher death rate.
Breast Cancer Rates Among Young Women Rising
While breast cancer is largely considered a disease impacting older women, and it still is, this new study noted that younger women are being diagnosed more often.
According to the data,breast cancer rates among young women have been rising at 2% per year, compared to a 1% annual rate increase seen among older women.
The researchers determined the rising breast cancer rates among young women is due to increased screening and screenings being done at earlier ages. Recently the U.S. Preventive Task Force dropped the recommended age for mammograms to 40 from 50. But recommendations also call for earlier screenings when there’s a risk of breast cancer that runs in the family or other factors come into play.
In some cases, when women develop breast cancer early, it can be more aggressive and easier to miss, particularly when screenings are often encouraged for older women and not younger women. However, the new guidelines are leading to earlier diagnoses and treatment.
While more women in their 20s face breast cancer diagnoses, the overall risk still remains low.
Researchers said that, regardless of age, access to routine and early screenings, as well as high-quality treatment options, continues to be important for women of all ages, races and ethnicities.