May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, an opportunity to commemorate the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. AAPI month is a time to speak out against hate, share stories of achievement and hardship, and debunk myths about Asian communities, including breast cancer discrepancies. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it touches the lives of people from all walks of life, including Asian American and Pacific Islanders. 

However, the experiences and challenges faced by AAPI women in dealing with breast cancer can be unique, influenced by cultural factors, access to healthcare, and societal expectations. Generally, Asian American and Pacific Islander women are less likely than non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer that hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes. This is likely because Asian American women have lower rates of screening mammography compared to Black women, white women and Hispanic women, likely due to cultural barriers. These include cultural beliefs and language barriers which can impact understanding and access to healthcare services, further complicating the journey for AAPI women facing breast cancer. 

Though rates of breast cancer incidence and mortality are generally lower for AAPI women than for non-Hispanic white women and non-Hispanic Black women, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Asian American women following lung cancer. As of January 2020 (most recent data available), there were about 160,000 non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander women in the U.S. who were breast cancer survivors or were living with breast cancer. Incidence has increased slightly from 2015 to 2019 by about 1.5% each year, likely because the daughters and granddaughters of immigrants adopt American lifestyle behaviors which may include behaviors that increase breast cancer risk, such as alcohol use, being overweight, or having children later in life. For that reason, over time, breast cancer incidence rates for the daughters and granddaughters of immigrants may become closer to incidence rates in the U.S.   

For immigrants, navigating the complex healthcare system in a new country can be daunting, leading to even more delay to prescreening. Moreover, factors such as socioeconomic status, immigration status, and geographic location can influence access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Despite these challenges, AAPI women are breaking barriers and advocating for themselves and others facing breast cancer. Community organizations and support groups are emerging to provide culturally sensitive resources and support which play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing education about breast health, and advocating for better access to healthcare services throughout their community. At the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, we continue to fight for equity amongst all cultural groups and encourage an open dialogue to destigmatize conversations about breast cancer. Through these efforts, we can empower AAPI women to seek timely medical care and support and get closer to ending breast cancer at every step.  

Discover more at Breast Cancer Statistics | Susan G. Komen®