The American Cancer Society releases its new breast cancer report

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A new report from the American Cancer Society on Tuesday shows that breast cancer mortality continues to decline. Breast cancer mortality rates have fallen by 44% since 1989.

According to the new report, the three-decade decline continues.

But the data also highlighted other concerns.

“More than 300,000 women will receive a new invasive breast cancer diagnosis this year,” said Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society.

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The new report also shows that incidence is increasing more among women under 50 and among Asian American and Pacific Islander women.

Action News spoke with Dr. Knudsen about the results.

“As we look at the trends, there are still some challenges that we did not anticipate and that need to be addressed,” said Dr. Knudsen.

“We really need to dig in and understand the why.”

The numbers of Native American and Alaska Native women have remained unchanged over the past three decades. The report also found that black women continued to have a 38% mortality rate compared to white women – despite a lower incidence rate.

“We need to understand so much about the nature of breast cancer and its manifestation in black women,” said Dr. Knudsen. “But also ensuring that these women have access to high-quality cancer care.”

Women with dense breasts also have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

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“It is very important for women with dense breasts to understand what additional or different imaging may be needed to detect breast cancer earlier,” said Dr. Knudsen.

The American Cancer Society says that while the disease is declining in many populations, breast cancer is most common among women in the United States.

Dr. Knudsen adds that there is more to do in the fight.

“That’s why it’s so important that all women have access to an appropriate screening plan,” said Dr. Knudsen, “and that their cancers are detected at the earliest possible stage.”

Click here to read the 2024-2025 report.

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