We are concerned by this report, we would like to thank you for bringing attention to what is a major problem in breast cancer, as you mentioned. It is on the rise and the incidence is increasing among American women, so we are very pleased to see these continued declines and breast cancer mortality rates, this is a testament to the amazing progress we have made in breast health awareness, early detection, the three screening mammography programs, and our successes with treatment. You also noted that we are still seeing some frightening and disturbing trends in breast cancer statistics, it is very concerning to us that breast cancer rates are increasing in young women, those under the age of fifty. This is for a number of reasons, we are also seeing very worrying disparities in the burden of breast cancer. In particular breast cancer mortality rates are significantly higher for African American women and black women under the age of fifty. As far as breast cancer mortality is concerned, the rates are significantly higher for African American women and black women under the age of fifty. Disparities with respect to ethnic groups, which we discussed as to why they have increased.
Disparities in breast cancer are secondary to the bird and some of the complicating factors, including the disparate mortality that we see in black women. We know that a lot of this is going to be explained. The socioeconomic disadvantage that African Americans are more prevalent in the community. African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced breast cancer due to delayed diagnosis and delay in diagnosis. Women are more likely to have delayed treatment and delay in initiation. There are some tumor biology questions that we need to evaluate and research, as well as a lot of the research that we’re doing really looks at the breast cancer burden of women with African ancestry. We know that African ancestry and in and of itself increases the likelihood of getting biologically aggressive forms of breast cancer. Getting breast cancer at a younger age so we need to address socioeconomic disparities, but we also need more research to understand these biological differences.
We looked at what we can do to reduce these numbers given the trend of increase year over year. It’s very important to be aware of breast health now. Still making sure you get screened regularly for average risk women. The American Society of Breast Surgeons advocates in favor of getting annual mammograms starting at age forty. If you have a strong family history you should consider getting genetic testing. Because if you have an inherited tendency for breast cancer you may need to start getting mammograms. I can see some good news even at younger ages. Which we see here in this report. The mortality rate has declined compared to the last thirty-five years ago. What you’re doing is very exciting to see that mortality rates are coming down. This is secondary to women. For women to advocate more strongly for themselves and get regular screenings we also want to remind women that mammograms are not perfect and so women really need to be aware of that.
Potential risk signs for breast cancer such as a new lump in the breast lump in the underarm bleeding from the nipple skin changes, the appearance of the breast such as swelling, rash, what are some basic things that all women can do to protect themselves. You mentioned diet, for example what type of food or diet would be helpful in that way. A good way to look at it is in terms of the overall picture. Dietary patterns in general that are good for heart health. are good for breast health. So a diet that has lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and it’s low fat intake, low alcohol intake.