Disparities in Utilization of Mammogram Screening and Incidence of Postmenopausal Metastatic Breast Cancer in Asian American Women

Abstract

Background The incidence of metastatic breast cancer is rising, but few studies have analyzed Asian American women with a focus on screening and obesity rates.Methods Data from the U.S. Cancer Statistics were examined for trends and incidence rates of breast cancer. Using the Center for Disease Control data mammogram compliance and obesity rates in Asian women were analyzed.Results Over our 18-year study period, the incidence of postmenopausal metastatic breast cancer increased by 2.19% annually in Asian women compared to only 1.03% in White women. Asians also had higher rates of mammogram non-compliance compared to other racial groups. Of Asians, the rates of obesity in postmenopausal women were highest in those aged 65–74 years.Conclusions Compared to other races, Asians have the highest increase in the incidence of metastatic breast cancer with lower rates of screening mammograms. Further research is needed to better understand these disparities.