As Americans mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, a new report from the American Cancer Society shows both gains and setbacks when it comes to the deadly disease. Breast cancer mortality rates overall have dropped by 44% since 1989, which means more than 500,000 breast cancer deaths were averted. However, breast cancer cases are increasing, rising by 1% annually during 2012-2021, with the steepest increase in women younger than 50 (1.
4% per year) and Asian American/Pacific Islander women of any age (2.5%-2.7% per year).
“The encouraging news is breast cancer mortality rates continue to decrease thanks to advances in early detection and treatment,” said Angela Giaquinto, associate scientist, cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study. But future progress may be thwarted by increasing incidence, especially among younger women, and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as delayed diagnosis due to interruptions in screening. “Get to know your own breasts.
When you’re in the shower and you’re washing up, get to know them like the back of your hand. So that if something new crops up, you’ll notice it yourself early, and then you can see a health care provider to get the testing that you need,” said Barbara Dehn, NP, of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Annette Hammond of Columbia, South Carolina, knows this all too well, as she undergoes her second bout with cancer.
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