Doctor outlines three factors contributing to the increase in breast cancer, highlighting some that you can manage.

 Doctor outlines three factors contributing to the increase in breast cancer, highlighting some that you can manage.

There’s a concerning increase in breast cancer among women under 50, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

 

A recent report from the American Cancer Society revealed that breast cancer rates in this age group rose by 1.4% annually from 2012 to 2021. Since 2000, Asian American and Pacific Islander women have experienced the most significant increase, with rates climbing by 2.5% to 2.7% each year.

 

Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News chief medical correspondent, attributes much of this rise to estrogen-fueled types of breast cancer. He noted that girls are starting their periods earlier and women are delaying childbirth, resulting in more menstrual cycles and greater estrogen surges. Additionally, obesity plays a role; the enzyme aromatase in fat converts testosterone to estrogen, further increasing estrogen levels.

 

Dr. LaPook also discussed the impact of alcohol consumption, citing Rebecca Siegel, senior author of the report. She highlighted that there has been a surge in binge drinking among women in their 30s and 40s, which raises breast cancer risk—alcohol accounts for about 16% of all breast cancer cases.

 

The reasons for the rising rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander women are less clear. Dr. LaPook pointed out that this group, previously at low risk, now has rates comparable to White women. A significant study at UC San Francisco is currently exploring this issue. He also mentioned the persistent disparities in outcomes for Black women, an area of ongoing research.

 

To better understand cancer disparities, the American Cancer Society has initiated the VOICES of Black Women study, aiming to enroll over 100,000 Black women in the U.S.

 

On a positive note, the report indicated that mortality rates from breast cancer have dropped by 44% over the past 33 years, preventing more than 500,000 deaths, thanks to advances in early detection and treatment. However, not all groups have benefited equally; for Native American women, there has been no decline.

 

Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the need to address these disparities, stating, "Women today are less likely to die from breast cancer, but alarming disparities still remain, particularly for Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Black women. Systematic efforts are needed to ensure access to high-quality screening and treatment for every woman."