Abstract PO5-09-09: Incidence of Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women Across the US: A Focus on Texas
Authors: Esguerra Catalina , Barbosa Kemely Santos , Khalife Roy , Magliocco Anthony 
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers affecting the female population in the United States, particularly among the Hispanic community. According to the CDC, the incidence rate of new breast cancer cases in Hispanic women is 95.6 per 100,000 annually, and the mortality rate is 13.7 per 100,000 women annually. Texas is home to one of the largest Hispanic communities in the US. By analyzing the prevalence, mortality, and access to healthcare services in Texas, we can shed light on the unique aspects of breast cancer within the Hispanic population. Overall, this study will provide valuable insights and identify potential avenues for reducing disparities and improving healthcare outcomes for Hispanic women affected by breast cancer.

Materials and methods

This study used comparative data from State Cancer Profiles on the CDC and NIH databases. The database was used to generate an overall comparison of breast cancer in Hispanic women across different US states. Comparison factors analyzed include incidence, mortality, insurance, and screening efforts. Significant differences were noted especially in Texas. Graphs and quantitative data for comparison factors were generated. This data is from 2015-2019 unless noted.

Results

The incidence of breast cancer in Hispanic women in Texas (TX) is 93.5 (Age-Adjusted Incidence Rate-cases per 100,000) with a CI of (92.2-94.8). The incidence of BC in Hispanic women in the US averages 99.0 with a CI of 98.7-99.9. From the incidence data, Hispanic women in Texas have a lower overall incidence of BC compared to the rest of the Hispanic females in the US. When analyzing the mortality rate, Hispanic women in TX have an Age-Adjusted Death Rate (deaths per 100,000) of 15.2 (CI of 14.7-15.8). In the US, Hispanic women have an Age-Adjusted Death Rate (deaths per 100,000) of 13.0 (CI of 13.4-13.9).

To analyze preventative measures, a graph reporting mammogram use in 2020 by state was gathered. In TX 2020, the estimated age-adjusted prevalence of mammograms among Hispanic females from 50-74 years old was 75.0% (CI of 67.0%-81.7%). Nationally, the age-adjusted prevalence among Hispanic females 50-74 years who reported mammogram screening in 2 years was 79.7% (CI of 76.6 – 82.4).

As for Texas insurance rates in 2020, Hispanic women under 65 years old, 27.4 % reported being uninsured. In comparison, other ethnicities such as African American (non-Hispanic) women, 16.5% reported to be uninsured, and white (non-Hispanic) women in Texas 11.8 % reported to be uninsured.

Additionally, to further analyze if the lack of preventative measures was causing women to have a higher mortality rate, the instance of late-stage diagnosis of BC in Texan Hispanic women was analyzed. The age-adjusted incidence rate of late-stage breast cancer in Hispanic women was reported to be 33.4 (CI of 32.6-34.2) and the national incidence of late-stage BC in Hispanic women is 35.0 (CI of 35.1-35.8).

Conclusion

Even with Texas having one of the largest Hispanic communities, Hispanic women with breast cancer in Texas are faced with obstacles that lead to an increase in their mortality rate. As seen in the results, Hispanic women have less incidence of BC (including late stage) than their equivalent across the US but Hispanic women in TX have higher mortality rates in comparison. This is additionally accompanied by a decrease in insured women and a decrease in the utilization of cancer screenings. Lack of access to affordable healthcare and lack of regulatory cancer screenings cause Hispanic women to meet their premature death. Further analysis of the effects of affordable health care or further molecular investigation of this population is encouraged to research to fully conclude the reason behind this population's disparities.

Citation Format: Catalina Esguerra, Kemely Santos Barbosa, Roy Khalife, Anthony Magliocco. Incidence of Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women Across the US: A Focus on Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-09-09.