Important Facts for Breast Cancer Incidence

Definition

The rate of breast cancer incidence (ICD-10: C50) in Utah or U.S. per 100,000 females.

Numerator

The number of breast cancer cases among female residents of Utah or U.S. for a specific time period (ICD-10: C50).

Denominator

The female population of Utah or U.S. for a specific time period.

Data Interpretation Issues

Cancer diagnoses in 2020 may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the changes in health services and cancer screening accessibility.

Why Is This Important?

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in U.S. females (except for skin cancers) and the leading cause of female cancer related death in Utah. Breast cancer can occur in males, but is very rare, so in this report we focus only on statistics for female breast cancer. Certain risk factors are linked to breast cancer. The main risk factors include female sex and older age. Some people get breast cancer without any other known risk factors. Other risk factors include, but are not limited to, certain genetic mutations, family history of breast cancer, reproductive history, having dense breast tissue, being physically inactive, and high alcohol consumption.^1^ The risk of death from breast cancer is greatly reduced when the cancer is detected at an early stage. Routine mammography screening is important for detecting breast cancer early. If the tumor is found early enough, the risk of death can be lowered. Clinical trials and observational studies have demonstrated that routine screening with mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by about 20% for those of average risk.^2^[[br]] [[br]] ---- 1. [https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm][[br]] 2. Myers ER, Moorman P, Gierisch JM, et al. Benefits and harms of breast cancer screening. ''JAMA''. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.13183.

Other Objectives

CSTE Chronic Disease Indicators

How Are We Doing?

Utah's age-adjusted female breast cancer incidence rate has not significantly changed since the year 2000.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

Throughout the years, the Utah female breast cancer incidence rate has been consistently lower than the U.S. female breast cancer rate.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (Utah B&C) partners with local health departments, community clinics, hospitals, and healthcare professionals to help those with low incomes who do not have adequate insurance gain access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services. Eligible women can apply to Utah B&C by calling 800-717-1811 or by submitting an online enrollment form available at: [https://cancerutah.org/do-i-qualify/]. The Utah Cancer Coalition, a statewide partnership whose goal is to reduce the burden of cancer, works to lower cancer incidence and mortality in Utah through collaborative efforts directed toward cancer prevention and control. As a result of this planning process, objectives and strategies have been developed by community partners regarding the early detection of cervical, testicular, prostate, skin, breast, and colorectal cancers as well as the promotion of physical activity, healthy eating habits, and smoking cessation.

Health Program Information

In 1980, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services began providing clinical breast exams and a sliding fee scale. In 1993, state funding was appropriated for mammography. That same year, the Utah Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (Utah B&C) first received a capacity-building grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct breast and cervical cancer screening in Utah. A comprehensive grant was awarded to the program in 1994 to continue breast and cervical cancer screening. Since 1994, Utah B&C and partners, including local health departments, mammography facilities, pathology laboratories, and private providers, have worked together to ensure the appropriate and timely provision of clinical services. Utah B&C continues to receive funding from the CDC for breast and cervical cancer screening.