Sami (Papacek) Mansfield: Breast cancer rates rising at alarming rate among AAPI women

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield shared the following on LinkedIn:

“Breast cancer rates are rising at an alarming rate among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women, especially those under 50. Between 2000 and 2021, diagnoses in this group surged by 52%, compared to only 3% for women of all races and ethnicities. This trend is particularly concerning as younger women often face more aggressive forms of the disease.

This trend is surpassing the rate for Black and Hispanic women and is on par with the rate for white women, according to age-adjusted data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Despite advancements in breast cancer treatment and a 30% reduction in mortality rates among other racial groups, AAPI women haven’t experienced the same decline. In 2023, 12 of every 100,000 AAPI women died from breast cancer, nearly the same as in 2000.

Researchers are exploring potential causes, from cultural shifts like delayed childbearing and lower breastfeeding rates 🍼 to the impact of stress. Lifestyle changes, including earlier puberty and Westernized habits, could also play a role. There’s so much we still need to uncover.

What’s clear is the importance of risk reduction and early detection. Self-checks, routine screenings, engaging in a healthy lifestyle and paying close attention to your body’s signals can make all the difference in catching breast cancer early—especially in younger women who may not see themselves as at risk.

Let’s spread the word and empower women in the AAPI community to be proactive about their health. Early detection saves lives.”

Source: Sami (Papacek) Mansfield/LinkedIn

Sami Mansfield is the founder of Cancer Wellness for Life. She’s been a certified cancer exercise specialist since 2003 and has dedicated her career to implementing evidence-based lifestyle education, resources and tools into cancer care for both the patients and the providers. She is also a Chair of Cancer Member Interest Group, at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Breast Cancer Taskforce Co-Chair at Colorado Cancer Coalition.