Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. Although breast cancer death rates declined in the past two decades with half of the decrease due to better screening and high-quality treatment, not all women have benefited from these improvements and breast cancer disparities continue, according to a recent Vital Signs study.

• Nearly 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year in the U.S.
• Black women are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women, and have the highest death rates from breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group.
• Nearly 1,800 fewer black women would die if death rates were the same as white women.

Proven strategies can reduce the disparities. Health care providers, nurses, and others who treat patients can ensure that all women in their care get the tests and treatments they need. Women must also take direct care of their health by talking with their doctors to learn more about breast cancer and when to get a mammogram.

“Although we are making progress reducing deaths from breast cancer, we have much work to do to reduce preventable deaths, particularly among African-American women. Only when every woman receives adequate screening, timely follow-up, and high-quality treatment, will the full benefit of breast cancer screening be achieved.”
-CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting people from health threats to have a more secure nation. Whether these threats are chronic or acute, manmade or natural, human error or deliberate attack, global or domestic, CDC is the U.S. health protection agency.

Graphics/Charts

Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Severity

Source: United States Cancer Statistics: Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report

Multimedia

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 20th Anniversary

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date: 1/21/2011
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 20th Anniversary

Black Corals Cancer Education

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date: 9/12/2012
Black Corals Cancer Education