Metastatic breast cancer diagnoses are rising in U.S. women, especially in younger age groups and racial minorities, as revealed by SEER data from 2004–2021. The study highlights disparities and COVID-19's impact, urging systemic changes to improve early detection and healthcare equity.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Dec 12 2024 New research reveals a sharp rise in metastatic breast cancer rates, highlighting how age, race, and pandemic disruptions influence diagnosis and survival outcomes.
Background Sharp disparities by race: Black women experience a 55% higher incidence of distant-stage breast cancer compared to White women, contributing significantly to higher mortality rates among Black women. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted breast cancer care, leading to declines in screening rates and delays in diagnosis. Despite the challenges posed by these disruptions, the pandemic highlighted persistent inequities in access to timely and effective breast cancer care across demographic groups. Data on how these factors influenced metastatic cancer trends across different demographics are limited.
Age-adjusted and delay-adjusted incidence rates were calculated for three age groups: 20 to 39, 40 to 74, and 75 years or older. Additionally, trends in metastatic breast cancer diagnoses were examined across racial and ethnic groups, including Asian, White, Black, Native American, and Hispanic women. The researchers also used various statistical analyses to identify changes in trends over time, calculate annual percentage changes , and determine the significance of observed patterns.
The researchers noted that data for Native American women and other small subgroups were limited and therefore exercised caution during result interpretation. This comprehensive analysis aimed at providing a detailed overview of metastatic breast cancer trends and their variations across demographic groups.
The rates for women aged 40 to 74 increased from 2004 to 2010 and again between 2018 and 2021, and for those over 75, consistent increases were observed throughout the study period.
Cancer Pandemic Coronavirus Covid-19 Epidemiology Healthcare Mammography Metastasis Mortality Radiology Research
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