Chien-Chi Huang, an Asian American woman, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 40, shortly after her first mammogram. This is due to dense breast tissue that can hide cancer on mammograms. In recent years, breast cancer incidence among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 has increased by 50%, with AAPI women now having the highest rate of breast cancer alongside white women. Factors contributing to this increase include westernization, increased obesity rates, and greater awareness around screenings, as well as unique genetic factors among Asian women that lead to a higher prevalence of dense breasts.
Acculturation, lifestyle choices not typical in Asia, is also a contributing factor to the rise in breast cancer among Asian women, who are more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer if they immigrate to the U.S. Late pregnancies, hormonal changes, and increased exposure to environmental chemicals can also increase the risk of breast cancer among Asian American women.
Disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates among AAPI women are linked to factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and cultural beliefs. Researchers emphasize the importance of disaggregating data to better understand what is driving the rapid rise in breast cancer among different Asian American subgroups. Studies are ongoing to identify unique risk factors and better screening practices for Asian American women, with the ultimate goal of reducing mortality rates in this population.
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