Future research should focus on understanding tumor biology and molecular mechanisms, as well as ensuring access to population-based screening for women aged 40-49 and targeted screening for younger high-risk women.

Overall, while there have been improvements in breast cancer mortality rates, the ongoing disparities highlight the critical need for targeted interventions and research.

Recent data presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025 reveals a significant decrease in breast cancer mortality among women aged 20-49 from 2010 to 2020, with notable declines beginning after 2016.

Further analysis revealed that women aged 20-39 had a lower ten-year survival rate of 78.3% for luminal A compared to 84.2% for luminal B, indicating a need for deeper investigation into tumor characteristics in this younger cohort.

Dr. Toriola emphasized that understanding mortality trends is crucial for effectively directing resources to combat breast cancer.

Limitations of the research include a follow-up period restricted to ten years and a smaller number of deaths recorded in certain racial and ethnic groups, with the study funded by Washington University School of Medicine.

The study found that ten-year relative survival rates for luminal A breast cancer varied by age, with women aged 40-49 having a survival rate of 78.3%, compared to 84.2% for luminal B, suggesting potential biological differences.

Dr. Adetunji Toriola, who led the study, highlighted that the most substantial drop for luminal A breast cancer occurred in 2017, showing a 32.88% annual percent change, while triple-negative breast cancer saw its steepest decline in 2018 at 32.82%.

Despite these promising trends, the findings underscore persistent disparities in survival outcomes, particularly among different racial and ethnic groups, indicating a need for further research and equitable healthcare strategies.

The study specifically noted that non-Hispanic Black women continue to experience the worst survival outcomes, emphasizing the importance of addressing these disparities.

Dr. Toriola advocates for ongoing research into breast cancer biology and stresses the importance of increasing access to screening and high-quality treatment, particularly for younger women at higher risk.