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Study: Breast cancer rates are rapidly increasing among Asian women in California

The majority of racial groups in the United States have seen declines in breast cancer rates. However, this study provides new insights into the patterns of breast cancer rates in Asian American subgroups in California. Using 26 years of data, this research found that breast cancer is rapidly increasing among this population, contrasting to a decline in rates among non-Hispanic white women in California and nationwide. (8/15/17)

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At a glance In-depth
Findings     Limitations             
Questions for your doctor Resources   
                                           


STUDY AT A GLANCE

This study is about:

The rapidly increasing rate of breast cancer among Asian women in California.

Why is this study important?

Although other racial groups in the United States have reported declines in breast cancer rates, breast cancer among Asian Americans appears to be increasing, and it is not known why. This pattern of increase is important because it suggests that unexpected public health differences, such as access to screening and care, exist for this population. 

Study findings: 

From 1988 to 2013, 548,259 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women living in California including 383,478 in non-Hispanic Caucasians (NHW) and in 45,721 Asian Americans (AA). 

Using this data, this study determined breast cancer rates for Asian American women as a single group and by seven major ethnicities: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese, South Asians (Asian Indians and Pakistanis), and Southeast Asians (Cambodians, Laotians, Hmong, and Thai). 

  • As a single group, Asian American women experienced a rapid increase in breast cancer rates compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian women (NHW breast cancer rates actually declined in California and nationwide during this time).
    • Rates increased across all major ethnic groups except Japanese.
    • The largest increase was seen in Koreans (1988-2006) and Southeast Asians (1988-2013).
  • Among Asian American women younger than age 50, the largest increases occurred in in Vietnamese and other Southeast Asians.
  • Among Asian American women over age 50, increases were seen in all AA ethnics groups.

What does this mean for me?

This study indicates that breast cancer rates in Asian Americans living in California are rapidly increasing. The results suggest that documenting breast cancer trends for major Asian American ethnic minority groups can contribute to a better understanding why the increase occurred, help target prevention and screening efforts, and guide future research into specific risk factors for each group. These results highlight that there is value and important insight gained when studying distinct ethnicities.

Though more work needs to be done to understand why this increase is happening, as the study authors write, “Culturally tailored efforts to increase awareness of and attention to breast cancer risk factors are needed.” Asian Americans should work with their health care provider to determine the best time to start breast cancer screening and the optimal screening schedule. As with all women, it’s important for Asian Americans to know their family history of cancer and speak with a genetics expert if there are any signs of in their family.

Posted 8/15/17

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References

Gomez SL, Von Behren J, McKinley M, et al. “Breast cancer in Asian Americans in California, 1988-2013: increasing incidence trends and recent data on breast cancer subtypes.” Breast Cancer Res Treat (2017) 164:139-147.

 

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

  • When should I start getting screened for breast cancer?
  • How often should I get screened for breast cancer?
  • How can I lower my breast cancer risk?
  • Are you aware of my family history of cancer?

 

Peer Support

The following organizations offer peer support services for people with or at high risk for breast cancer:

Updated: 05/07/2024

Who covered this study?

NBC News

Breast cancer rates rise among Asian-American women as others stay stable This article rates 4.5 out of 5 stars

Medical Xpress

Breast cancer on the rise among Asian-Americans This article rates 4.0 out of 5 stars

Huffington Post

More Asian-Americans are facing breast cancer and Westernization may be why This article rates 4.0 out of 5 stars

How we rated the media