No one is immune to breast cancer. Even men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, though the threat of the disease looms much larger for women. In fact, the World Cancer Research Fund International states that breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women across the globe. However, the World Health Organization indicates that, as of the end of 2020, roughly 7.8 million women diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous five years were alive. So, while no woman wants to receive a breast cancer diagnosis, millions of women are living testaments to the effectiveness of available treatments.
Recognizing one’s own risk of developing breast cancer is important, as it may compel women to prioritize screening and make changes in their behavior. For example, data from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society indicates that breast cancer rates and survival rates differ among ethnic groups. While the relationship between ethnicity and breast cancer is complicated and intertwined with other risk factors, data indicates that the incidence and death rates are higher among certain ethnic groups than others.
- Highest incidence rate: White, non-Hispanic
- Lowest incidence rate: Korean American
- Highest death rate: African American
- Lowest death rate: Chinese American
Additionally, socioeconomic factors such as education and income level and access to medical screening and services also affect incidence and death rates among different ethnicities. But other factors, such as cultural practices and beliefs within certain ethnic groups, also affect those rates. Women concerned about breast cancer are urged to prioritize screening for the disease and discuss factors such as diet, physical activity and cultural practices to determine if there’s anything they can do to lower their cancer risk.
