October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month. Now, before you men tune-out, breast cancer affects both women AND men. Secondly, men are a vital support to women suffering from breast cancer: So keep reading.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation projects more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. In 2021, about 11,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The alarming trend, however, is the increased rate of new breast cancer diagnosis in younger Asian American and Pacific Islander populations, under 50 years old. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in 2021, 55 out of every 100,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 years old were diagnosed with breast cancer–numbers exceeding the rate of African American and Hispanic American women, and on par with Caucasian women of the same age.
Moreover, from 2000-2021, new cases of breast cancer amongst Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 increased by 52%. For AAPI women between 50-64 years old, the rates grew 33%, and for AAPI women ages 65 and older, the rates grew by 43% during the same period. Comparatively, the rates of new breast cancer cases for women of all ages, races, and ethnicities grew by only 3% from 2020-2021.
There is also an emerging trend difference between immigrant Asian American women versus US born Asian American women. A study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2019 found higher rates of breast cancer in Asian American immigrant females, particularly those who lived more than half their lives outside of the US. The CDC study found immigrant Asian American women who lived more than half their life in the US were 3 times as likely to develop breast cancer than US-born Asian American women.
Between specific Asian American subgroups, Filipina, Chinese, Korean, South Asian, and Vietnamese had the highest risks for developing breast cancer.
Researchers are now scrambling to find the causes for the rapid increase in breast cancer diagnosis in both US born Asian American and immigrant Asian American women. For immigrant Asian American women, adopting “Westernized” diets-higher in fat, increased sedentary life-styles, and delaying childbirth may all increase the risks for developing breast cancer later in life.
Early detection through mammogram screening is the best way to catch breast cancer in its early stages. Because of the increased rates of Asian American females developing breast cancer before age 50, compared to African American women (age 60) and Caucasian women (between 75-79), routine mammograms, beginning at age 40, is highly recommended.
Another key factor, perhaps, in the higher incidence of breast cancer amongst immigrant Asian American women versus US born Asian American women, is the prevalence of mammogram screening for the immigrant population. Studies found 63% of immigrant Asian women had a mammogram within the last 2 years, compared to only 37% to US born Asian American females in the same time frame. The higher screening rate is likely due to higher access to care in other countries, compared to the American health care-insurance system that may only allow mammogram screening every 2 years.
The biggest take away, as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month, is indeed AWARENESS and SELF ADVOCACY. If you notice any abnormal or new lumps in the breast tissue, have painful lumps in the tissue, or have a family history of breast cancer, routine discussions with your OBGYN or health care provider is warranted. Moreover, advocating for starting routine mammogram screenings by age 40, particularly in Asian women (regardless of native origin) is prudent to potentially catch any abnormality before it becomes a large issue.
Hisashi Imura, MA, ATC
Japan Town Medical Group
Practice Manager
Assistant to Dr. Robert Nishime
NOTE: The information provided on this publication is for educational and purposes only, and does not replace consultation with qualified a health or medical professional who sees you in person, for your health and your medical needs. Please see a physician or health professional immediately if you suspect you may be ill or injured.
