A new study published in the journal Radiology has found that late-stage breast cancer rates are on the rise, especially among Black women. According to the research, which analyzed data from 2004 to 2021, Black women experience advanced diagnoses 55% more often than white women.
The study also revealed a significant increase in late-stage breast cancer diagnoses among young women aged 20 to 39 and those over 75. Despite mammography being an effective tool for early detection, fewer than 70% of eligible women are up-to-date on their screenings, which has contributed to the rising trend.
Experts point to factors such as aggressive breast cancers, disparities in healthcare access, and the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing to this issue. The study suggests that solutions lie in increasing screening rates, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring follow-up care after abnormal mammograms.
To combat this trend, experts recommend prioritizing public awareness of the importance of early detection and emphasizing the need for improved equity in care. By doing so, it may be possible to reverse the rising late-stage breast cancer diagnoses among Black women and other underrepresented groups.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/late-stage-breast-cancer-rising-black-women/story?id=116641271