From 2010 to 2020, breast cancer mortality among women aged 20-49 significantly declined across all subtypes and racial/ethnic groups. This was particularly evident starting in 2016, according to a recent analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. The findings were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025.
Breast cancer death rates in young women have dropped sharply in the last decade. The study analyzed data from 11,661 breast cancer deaths among women aged 20-49.
These results show that the collective efforts in improving breast cancer treatment, screening, and care have had a profound impact.
While mortality declined for all racial/ethnic groups, the trends varied significantly:
Marked declines for various groups began in different years, with the most pronounced drops starting in 2016 for non-Hispanic Black women.
The study also revealed unexpected findings regarding luminal A breast cancer:
This suggests a more complex biology in younger women with luminal A, who may experience more aggressive tumors.
Advances in precision medicine and CDK4/6 inhibitors have likely contributed to these positive trends. These treatments became more widely available in 2015-2016, particularly for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative cancers like luminal A.
“We’ve made great strides, but challenges remain, particularly for younger women and racial/ethnic minorities,” said Dr. Adetunji Toriola, the lead author of the study.
The study emphasizes the need for continued research into breast cancer’s molecular mechanisms, particularly in young women.
Key recommendations:
While the reduction in breast cancer mortality is a significant achievement, experts agree that there is still room for improvement, particularly in addressing disparities across racial and ethnic groups.
“We must continue to strive for greater progress in reducing breast cancer mortality and ensuring access to care for all women,” Dr. Toriola emphasized.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered two genetic variants linked to breast cancer in black South African women. This breakthrough underscores the need for genomic research tailored to African populations, offering new insights into cancer risk.
This genome-wide association study (GWAS) is the first to examine breast cancer genetics specifically in African women living on the continent. Researchers at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) analyzed the genetic data of black South African women, aiming to uncover factors contributing to breast cancer risk.
GWAS is a powerful tool used to scan genomes across large populations, identifying genetic variations tied to diseases. This study represents a significant step in understanding breast cancer genetics in African populations, which have historically been underrepresented in global research.
The research team identified two major genetic signals linked to breast cancer, located near RAB27A and USP22 genes.
These two variants were found to have a consistent presence in women with breast cancer, suggesting their significant role in disease development. This discovery provides fresh insight into breast cancer genetics for women of African ancestry.
Until now, most breast cancer genetic research has focused on European and Asian populations, with limited studies on African populations. This study is a critical step in addressing these gaps, providing new data on how genetic factors affect breast cancer risk in sub-Saharan Africa.
The study also highlighted limitations in existing cancer risk prediction tools, such as the polygenic risk score (PRS). PRS, which has been developed primarily based on European genetic data, performed poorly in identifying breast cancer risk in South African women.
Dr. Jean-Tristan Brandenburg, another lead author, stated, “PRS was not effective for African populations, highlighting the need for tools developed specifically for African ancestry.”
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in South Africa and the most prevalent cancer in women globally. Genetic factors account for about 30% of breast cancer cases. This study emphasizes the urgent need for more genomic research rooted in African contexts.
Dr. Mahtaab Hayat, the lead author, said, “Our findings make a strong case for investing in genomic research that is focused on African populations. We can better understand disease risk and improve early detection and treatment for these women.”
The identification of these genetic variants offers the possibility for more targeted therapies. If further studies confirm the role of RAB27A and USP22, these genes could become important targets for new cancer treatments.
Professor Chris Mathew, senior investigator at SBIMB, noted, “Targeting these genes could help destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This would improve cancer treatment outcomes significantly.”
Africa holds the world’s most diverse genetic population. However, African populations have been significantly underrepresented in genomic research. Dr. Hayat highlighted that this study proves the vast potential for discovering new genetic risk factors, particularly for African populations.
“Our study shows that there are still new risk factors out there waiting to be discovered,” Dr. Hayat concluded. “With increased focus on African genomic research, more individuals can benefit from these discoveries.”
This study underscores the critical need for genomic research that reflects the genetic diversity of African populations. By improving our understanding of breast cancer genetics in South Africa, scientists can develop more accurate risk prediction tools and more effective treatments for diverse populations worldwide.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A new study from UCLA has uncovered a surprising potential for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used antidepressants, to improve the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The groundbreaking research, published in Cell, highlights how these widely prescribed medications could offer a new avenue for cancer treatment, including for breast cancer.
SSRIs, such as Prozac and Celexa, are best known for their role in treating depression by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. But this new research shows that these drugs do more than lift our mood—they could also enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
Dr. Lili Yang, senior author of the study, explains: “These drugs have been widely and safely used to treat depression for decades. Repurposing them for cancer treatment could be a lot easier than developing new therapies from scratch.”
The UCLA team’s research found that SSRIs can significantly improve the function of T cells—immune cells responsible for attacking tumors. When these cells are exposed to SSRIs, they become more effective at killing cancer cells, including those found in breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, and other tumor types.
In their study, the researchers observed that SSRIs reduced tumor size by more than 50% in both mouse and human tumor models. The drugs acted by “making the killer T cells happier” and more effective in attacking and destroying cancer cells, even in the hostile environment of a tumor.
While serotonin is typically associated with brain function, it’s also crucial in regulating immune activity throughout the body. The UCLA team initially noticed that immune cells in tumors had higher levels of serotonin-regulating molecules. Their earlier work suggested that higher serotonin levels might help immune cells fight cancer more effectively, leading them to focus on SSRIs.
Dr. Bo Li, lead author of the study, elaborated on this discovery: “Unlike other molecules, SERT—the serotonin transporter—has one specific job: to transport serotonin. SSRIs target this transporter with minimal side effects, making them an attractive option for cancer treatment.”
Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, could particularly benefit from this new discovery. The ability to enhance the action of T cells through SSRIs could improve outcomes for breast cancer patients, particularly those undergoing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. This approach works by helping T cells overcome the tumor’s defenses and target the cancer more effectively.
The potential combination of SSRIs with existing cancer treatments could offer new hope for patients battling difficult-to-treat cancers, including breast cancer.
One of the most promising aspects of the study is the potential synergy between SSRIs and existing cancer therapies. The researchers tested the combination of SSRIs with anti-PD-1 antibody, a popular form of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In their experiments, the combination significantly reduced tumor size across multiple cancer models, including melanoma and colon cancer.
“Immune checkpoint blockades are effective in fewer than 25% of patients,” said James Elsten-Brown, co-author of the study. “If a safe, widely available drug like an SSRI could make these therapies more effective, it would be hugely impactful.”
Dr. Yang and her team are now exploring whether cancer patients already taking SSRIs see better outcomes, particularly those receiving ICB therapies. Since about 20% of cancer patients take antidepressants, often SSRIs, this could provide an exciting new way to enhance treatment without introducing additional risks.
Using already-approved medications could also drastically reduce the cost and time involved in developing new cancer treatments. Dr. Yang points out that repurposing existing drugs costs much less—around $300 million—compared to the $1.5 billion typically spent on developing new cancer therapies from scratch.
This innovative research opens up exciting possibilities for the future of cancer treatment. By repurposing SSRIs to boost the body’s immune system, doctors may be able to offer more effective treatments for a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. This could be a game-changer, particularly for patients who have limited options with traditional therapies.
The UCLA team’s work could pave the way for clinical trials aimed at testing SSRIs in combination with other cancer treatments, potentially revolutionizing how we fight cancer.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A groundbreaking therapy may offer new hope for women with aggressive breast cancer—and fewer side effects. Professors Sophia and Richard Lunt from Michigan State University teamed up with UC Riverside chemist Vincent Lavallo. Their mission: create a safer, more effective cancer treatment using light-activated chemicals.
These new compounds—called cyanine-carborane salts—are used in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
They are activated by near-infrared light, which penetrates deep into tissue. Once inside cancer cells, light triggers the salts to destroy tumors—like a guided missile. Healthy cells are left unharmed, reducing damage to the body.
Traditional PDT chemicals stay in the skin for months. Patients must avoid light or risk burns and blisters. These new salts clear faster and work more precisely, eliminating the need to live in the dark.
Mouse studies showed effective tumor destruction with minimal side effects. Researchers are optimistic about future human applications.
“This opens the door to new cancer therapies and targeted drug delivery,” said graduate researcher Amir Roshanzadeh. Next step: testing on other cancers.
“This breakthrough happened because experts from different fields worked together,” said Richard Lunt. Collaboration made this innovation possible.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A major study has revealed promising news: breast cancer deaths have dropped significantly in younger women over the past decade. Between 2010 and 2020, breast cancer mortality declined in all subtypes and racial/ethnic groups. The sharpest drops began after 2016. Although breast cancer diagnoses in women under 50 are rising, fewer are dying from the disease. This trend was confirmed using SEER registry data presented at AACR 2025.
Researchers analyzed 11,661 breast cancer deaths between 2010 and 2020.
They looked at subtypes like luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple-negative. Luminal A showed the greatest decline in deaths, especially in 2017. Triple-negative cancers also saw a major drop in 2018. For women aged 20–39, luminal A survival was lower than expected. This challenges assumptions, as luminal A is usually less aggressive.
Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest mortality in 2010 and 2020. Non-Hispanic white women had the lowest in both years. Mortality began falling sooner in some groups.
Biggest drops happened:
Non-Hispanic Black women had the worst 10-year survival. White and Asian/Pacific Islander women had the best. CDK4/6 inhibitors and better endocrine therapies played a major role. These treatments became widely available after 2015.
Understanding tumor biology in younger women remains critical. Access to screening and quality care must improve for all groups. Follow-up was limited to 10 years. Some racial/ethnic groups had small sample sizes.
Bottom Line:
We’ve made real progress in saving lives, but disparities remain. Let’s continue pushing for research, equity, and access to care.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A study from Finland has found that lymph node transfer is a viable treatment for lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. However, an effective drug to improve the treatment’s outcomes is still being researched.
One in four women with breast cancer undergoes axillary lymph node removal surgery. This surgery is done if cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Around 20-40% of these women develop lymphedema, a condition where fluid builds up in the arm.
Lymphedema may begin six months after surgery or even years later. Over time, fluid, fat, and connective tissue accumulate in the arm, causing it to swell. This swelling can make everyday activities difficult.
Compression sleeves help control swelling, but they are not always effective. Surgery options include liposuction, lymphatic bypass, and lymph node transfer. In lymph node transfer, lymph nodes from the groin are moved to the armpit to replace the removed nodes.
Pauliina Hartiala, a plastic surgeon and researcher, led a multicenter study to test a growth factor drug called Lymfactin. The drug was designed to promote lymphatic vessel growth and improve the outcome of lymph node transfer.
The study, conducted in Finland and Sweden, involved 39 women. The results showed that Lymfactin did not improve the lymph node transfer results in humans. However, it did help reduce skin fluid in the treated group more than in the placebo group.
Despite the mixed results with Lymfactin, Hartiala is encouraged by the overall outcomes. Lymph node transfer improved arm volume and significantly boosted the quality of life for patients.
Hartiala believes that lymphedema may not just be a lymphatic issue but also involve an immunological factor. She suggests that immune cells might contribute to the fat and connective tissue build-up in the arm.
Further research into the immune system’s role in lymphedema could help develop more effective treatments. Hartiala hopes this will lead to better care for women with lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A new study reveals why women with obesity-driven diabetes and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often have worse outcomes. The research suggests that diabetes can alter the biology of cancer and increase its aggressiveness.
More than 120 million Americans suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Patients with both TNBC and obesity-driven diabetes often face poorer survival rates.
Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that insulin resistance increases TNBC aggressiveness. Their study, published in Molecular Cancer Research, reveals how diabetes impacts breast cancer biology.
The study focused on exosomes, tiny particles released by fat cells. These exosomes contain microRNAs, which are linked to cancer progression. When added to TNBC cells in lab experiments, these exosomes worsened the cancer’s growth and ability to spread.
The researchers discovered that these exosomes help TNBC cells survive under stress and spread to the brain. This discovery sheds light on why patients with obesity-driven diabetes have higher rates of brain metastasis.
“This study shows that cancer is influenced by overall health, including conditions like diabetes,” said Dr. Gerald V. Denis, the study’s lead author. “Treating underlying health conditions could improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.”
The findings suggest that patients with obesity-driven diabetes should be treated differently from those without metabolic disorders. The study emphasizes the need for more personalized therapies for aggressive cancers like TNBC.
This groundbreaking research could change how doctors treat patients with both diabetes and TNBC. It also highlights the importance of addressing metabolic health to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health sheds light on rising breast cancer rates in women under 40. The findings suggest that geographical differences, along with other risk factors, play a significant role in the increasing incidence of early-onset breast cancer.
The study found that breast cancer incidence in U.S. women under 40 increased by more than 0.50% per year in 21 states. The increase was particularly prominent in the Western U.S. The Northeast had the highest rates of early-onset breast cancer.
“We discovered that breast cancer trends varied greatly by region and state,” said Rebecca Kehm, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology at Columbia. “Understanding these differences could improve how we predict risk in younger women.”
The research, which analyzed data from 2001 to 2020, revealed significant differences across states. States like Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Connecticut had the highest breast cancer rates in younger women. The Southern U.S. showed no significant increase in early-onset breast cancer during this time period.
The study also explored racial and ethnic differences. Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rates of early-onset breast cancer. Non-Hispanic White women experienced a significant increase in incidence across all regions. Hispanic women had the lowest early-onset rates.
Researchers pointed out that rising breast cancer rates can’t be explained by genetics alone. Other factors, like alcohol consumption, could also contribute to the increase. Alcohol use varies by state and is influenced by local policies, which may impact breast cancer risk.
Although the causes of the rising incidence are still unclear, the study highlights the importance of looking at different population groups. The research could lead to new ways of identifying women at higher risk for early-onset breast cancer.
“The increasing incidence is alarming,” said Dr. Kehm. “We need to understand all the factors behind this rise.”
This study is one of the first to include data from all 50 states and provide a comprehensive look at age-specific trends. It offers important insights into how location and other factors influence breast cancer risk.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
Aging is a natural part of life, but it also brings certain health risks, including a higher chance of developing age-related diseases like cancer. Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could help us understand how aging contributes to breast cancer risk. Their study, published in Nature Aging, unveils a detailed “atlas” of how breast tissue changes as it ages, offering new insights into the molecular and genetic shifts that may lead to cancer.
Using advanced technologies, the research team studied the changes in breast tissue of young and older mice. They focused on how key cells in the mammary glands — including epithelial, immune, and stromal cells — transform as they age. The results were striking:
One of the key findings of this study is how aging affects the chromatin structure in breast tissue. Chromatin refers to the way DNA is organized inside the cell’s nucleus. As breast tissue ages, the structure of chromatin changes, influencing how genes are activated or silenced. These changes can disrupt crucial processes like cell division, DNA repair, and immune response — all of which play a role in cancer development.
“We’ve discovered that as breast cells age, changes in chromatin structure may be a major factor in regulating gene activity and could contribute to tumor growth,” said Dr. Duygu Ucar, one of the study’s co-senior authors.
The researchers didn’t stop with mice. They compared their findings to genetic profiles of human breast cancers and discovered something remarkable: the molecular changes they observed in aging mice closely mirrored the patterns seen in human breast tumors. This suggests that the aging process in breast tissue could play a direct role in increasing cancer risk.
“The fact that we found these overlapping pathways was really exciting,” said Dr. Brittany Angarola, co-first author of the study. “It indicates that shifts in healthy tissue as it ages might create an environment that’s more prone to cancer long before tumors actually form.”
This new open-access atlas of aging breast tissue offers an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide. By providing a detailed map of how aging affects breast cells, it opens the door to identifying new biomarkers that could help detect cancer early, long before it becomes a threat.
“This study not only deepens our understanding of aging and cancer, but it also paves the way for new approaches to reduce cancer risk in older populations,” said Dr. Olga Anczukόw, co-leader of the research. “It’s an important tool that could one day help prevent and treat breast cancer more effectively.”
As the study shows, aging is not just a time for reflection; it’s also a critical time to focus on health and prevention. Thanks to the work at The Jackson Laboratory, we now have a clearer understanding of how aging changes breast tissue — and how those changes may lead to cancer. This groundbreaking research gives hope for better early detection and preventive strategies in the fight against breast cancer.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.
A groundbreaking study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has shown how magnetic fields can improve chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment. The research team developed a non-invasive method that uses localized magnetic pulses to boost the uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapy drug, into cancer cells. This approach helps target cancer more precisely, potentially reducing harmful side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
By applying magnetic fields to tumor sites, the team found that breast cancer cells absorbed more of the drug, while healthy tissues were spared. This means patients may experience fewer side effects, like heart damage and muscle weakness, which are commonly linked with chemotherapy.
This exciting new development could pave the way for more effective, precise cancer treatments that minimize the damage to healthy cells while maximizing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug widely used to treat breast cancer. While effective, it can damage healthy cells and cause serious side effects like heart problems. This new method uses brief, targeted pulses of magnetic fields to help doxorubicin focus on cancer cells, making the treatment more precise. The study shows that applying these magnetic pulses increases the drug’s uptake in cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.
The researchers, led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón from NUS, tested the method on human breast cancer cells and healthy muscle cells. They found that cancer cells absorbed much more doxorubicin when exposed to magnetic pulses, while healthy cells were largely unaffected. This targeted approach allowed the researchers to use lower doses of the drug, which could reduce harmful side effects like heart damage and muscle weakness.
What makes this method even more promising is its ability to work at lower drug doses. By using less of the chemotherapy drug, patients may experience fewer side effects while still effectively killing cancer cells.
The study discovered that the key to this method is a calcium ion channel called TRPC1, which is often found in aggressive cancers like breast cancer. The magnetic fields activate TRPC1, making it easier for doxorubicin to enter cancer cells. By targeting this pathway, researchers can boost the drug’s effectiveness without harming normal cells.
The researchers found that reducing the expression of TRPC1 stopped this effect, while increasing TRPC1 levels led to more doxorubicin entering cancer cells. This finding is crucial, as it could help in developing more targeted therapies for aggressive cancers.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. One of the biggest challenges in chemotherapy is the side effects, which can make patients feel very sick and sometimes require them to stop treatment early. With this new magnetic field method, there’s hope for improving treatment outcomes while reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapy.
Assistant Professor Joline Lim, a member of the research team, noted that many patients face severe side effects from chemotherapy, including the risk of drug resistance. This new method could help prevent these issues and improve the overall experience for patients.
The team’s work shows great promise for improving chemotherapy, but the next step is testing this approach in real patients. By focusing magnetic field exposure specifically on tumors, the researchers aim to further increase the drug’s effect on cancer cells while minimizing side effects.
The researchers are working to patent this technology and bring it into clinical practice. They are also in discussions with potential investors in Southeast Asia and the United States to turn this breakthrough into a real treatment option for patients.
This innovative approach to chemotherapy could change the way we treat breast cancer. By improving the drug’s ability to target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues, it offers new hope for patients who may have struggled with the side effects of chemotherapy in the past. The team is excited to move forward and bring this technology to the bedside to help patients worldwide.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Empower yourself with knowledge and make more informed decisions about your breast cancer treatment and care. Visit the Breast Advocate App website today and join us in the fight against breast cancer.