Chien-Chi Huang was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her first mammogram at the age of 40. This diagnosis came after she discovered a lump under her armpit and started experiencing flu-like symptoms. Huang’s dense breast tissue made it difficult for the radiologist to detect the tumor during the initial mammogram. She has since become an advocate for early screening among Asian American women, emphasizing the importance of preventative care.
The incidence of breast cancer among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under the age of 50 has increased by 50% since 2000, with the rate rising by more than 2% annually since 2012. In 2000, AAPI women in this age group had the second-lowest rate of breast cancer among all racial groups, but now they experience the highest rate of diagnosis alongside white women. Dr. Helen Chew, director of the clinical breast cancer program at UC Davis Health, has expressed concern about the rise in breast cancer among younger women and the need for further research to determine the specific causes for various ethnic groups.
A possible reason for the spike in breast cancer incidence among AAPI women is increased westernization, where lifestyle choices not common in Asian countries are adopted. Factors such as delayed childbearing, diets high in refined grains and trans fats, increased alcohol consumption, and the use of hormone therapy have been associated with higher breast cancer rates. Immigrant Asian women are more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared to those born in the U.S., possibly due to socioeconomic factors and education levels.
Breast cancer mortality rates among AAPI women vary widely among different ethnic groups, with Korean, Chinese, Filipina, and South Asian American women facing the highest risk. While most Asian American women have lower mortality rates compared to white women, Filipina and Pacific Islander women have mortality rates that are 30% higher. This disparity may be attributed to factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, genetics, and cultural differences, which require further research to fully understand.
Researchers have noted a rise in breast cancer among younger Asian American women, attributed to factors such as rising obesity rates, increased access to screenings, environmental exposures to chemicals like PFAS, and unique genetic predispositions. Additionally, stress, whether from work, living conditions, or discrimination, may also play a role in the onset of cancer. The mortality rate for Asian American women under 50 has not decreased over the past two decades, indicating the need for improved screening rates and culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.
To combat the rising rates of breast cancer among Asian American women, experts emphasize the importance of disaggregating data to understand the unique factors affecting different ethnic groups within the AAPI community. By recognizing the diverse backgrounds and needs of various subgroups, healthcare providers can better tailor interventions and screenings to address the specific risk factors contributing to the increased incidence of breast cancer. Additionally, initiatives to reduce stigma around cancer and promote early detection through regular screenings are essential in lowering mortality rates and improving outcomes for Asian American women at risk for breast cancer.
