To examine breast cancer incidence trends among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations in the US, highlighting the importance of disaggregated data.
Approach:
Data Source: Utilized updated National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from 14 states, disaggregating 9 ethnic populations.
Analysis Focus: Investigated incidence levels, trends, and heterogeneity across different subgroups.
Key Findings:
Breast cancer incidence is rising among nearly all examined populations, particularly in women under 50 years.
Significant increases in distant-stage disease and aggressive tumor subtypes, including triple-negative and hormone receptor-negative tumors, were observed.
Incidence rates varied over three-fold across different groups, with Native Hawaiian women showing the highest burden.
Interpretation:
The findings emphasize the need for disaggregated data to accurately reflect cancer burden and inform public health responses, as aggregation can mask significant disparities.
Limitations:
Increasing cases categorized as not otherwise specified.
Uncertainty in denominator estimation.
Sparse subgroup-specific screening and risk factor data.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the urgency for targeted interventions and improved data equity to address rising breast cancer rates in diverse populations.
