Chien-Chi Huang, an Asian American woman, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 40 after having dense breast tissue that hid the tumor from a mammogram. Since 2000, breast cancer rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women under 50 have increased by 50%. The rise is attributed to factors like increased westernization, delayed childbearing, diet, alcohol consumption, and hormone therapy.
The spike in breast cancer among AAPI women is linked to lifestyle choices not endemic to Asia, with westernization playing a role. Immigrating to the US can increase breast cancer risk due to factors like higher socioeconomic status and education levels. Among AAPI women, Koreans, Chinese, Filipinos, and South Asians face the highest breast cancer risk.
Disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates among Asian American women are influenced by socioeconomic status, education, biology, and culture. Disaggregating data and conducting long-term studies on specific ethnic groups are essential to understanding the trends.
Factors like rising obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and stress may be contributing to the increase in breast cancer among younger Asian American women. Mortality rates for AAPI women under 50 have not decreased despite advancements in cancer treatment, potentially due to low screening rates and cultural stigma around seeking medical help.
Research on unique risk factors for breast cancer in Asian American women and disaggregating data by ethnic groups are crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Chew emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding breast cancer trends among Asian American women, considering the diverse backgrounds within the AAPI community.
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