A new report sounds an urgent alarm, saying Indian-American women are “unscreened and under-recognized” for breast cancer risk, a problem rooted in cultural norms, data gaps and changing disease patterns that threatens a growing but under-recognized health crisis in the United States.Breast cancer has long been one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States, accounting for approximately 16% of all new cancer diagnoses and the leading cause of cancer death in women, according to KFF, a leading U.S. health policy organization. While overall advances in screening and treatment have significantly reduced mortality over the past few decades, these advances have not been shared equally among all racial groups.For Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), including Indian Americans, new data from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation shows that breast cancer rates are rising faster than other groups, especially women under 50. However, Indian-American women in particular remain poorly tracked in terms of health surveillance because census and health data often lump them together with other Asian subgroups, masking true risk patterns.
Why Indian-American women’s risk of breast cancer is rising
Historically, breast cancer has been thought of primarily as a disease that affects older women. However, national cancer registry data show that the incidence of new breast cancer has increased in younger Asian American women, especially those under 50 years old, rising by more than 50% between 2000 and 2021 in some AAPI subgroups.
Breast cancer risk among Indian American women: An unscreened and overlooked health crisis
For Indian-American women in particular, this trend is compounded by a combination of biological, lifestyle, and cultural factors.Studies have shown that following a Western diet, a sedentary lifestyle, delayed childbirth, shorter breastfeeding periods and higher overall estrogen exposure increase the risk of breast cancer. These changes in reproductive and lifestyle patterns become increasingly common as Indian-American women settle in the United States, which may increase their long-term risks.Asian and Pacific Islander women, including women of Indian descent, are more likely to have dense breast tissue, which not only increases cancer risk but also makes it harder for mammograms to detect small tumors. Cultural norms in health care, language barriers, lack of awareness of preventive medicine, and limited confidence in the U.S. health system can reduce participation in regular screening. It’s still common for many first-generation Indian-American women to see a doctor only when they experience symptoms, rather than for preventive care.Regular breast cancer screening, primarily through mammography, can significantly improve early detection rates, allowing for less invasive treatment and higher survival rates. However, data show wide disparities in screening participation across racial and ethnic groups. Nationally, about 78.5% of U.S. women ages 50-74 have recently received a mammogram, according to data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Silent epidemic: Indian American women overlooked in breast cancer battle
Among certain minority groups, such as American Indian/Alaska Native women, screening rates may be much lower. For Asian and Pacific Islander women, including Indian Americans, CDC data shows some women have some of the lowest mammogram rates, with only about 54% reporting a mammogram in the past two years, below the national average and lagging behind other major groups.These gaps mean that unscreened women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage, reducing treatment options and survival prospects. Early detection is particularly important because breast cancer rates are rising most rapidly in younger women, who may not yet be targeted by routine screening recommendations.
Why Indian-American women are ‘overlooked’
A core problem is that Indian Americans often do not appear alone in cancer statistics. In health reports, they are often counted under the broader Asian American umbrella, obscuring subgroup differences. The lack of disaggregated data makes it more difficult for public health agencies to identify risk patterns that particularly affect South Asian communities and tailor screening and outreach efforts accordingly.Without clear data, Indian-American women may be excluded from targeted prevention activities even though they are at increased risk. Cultural factors influence how women perceive and respond to health information. In some Indian American communities, discussion about breast health remains minimal, and preventive screenings may not be prioritized before symptoms appear.Other barriers include:
- Language barriers make it more difficult to understand health advice.
- Modesty and stigma when discussing breast health may delay clinical examination.
- Distrust or unfamiliarity with preventive medical practices common in the U.S. health system.
Addressing these cultural and knowledge barriers through community education, physician outreach, and culturally sensitive messaging is critical to closing screening gaps.
How to Prevent Breast Cancer Risk in Indian-American Women
Early-stage breast cancer is easier to treat than late-stage breast cancer. When mammograms help with early diagnosis, women typically require less aggressive treatment and enjoy significantly higher survival rates. Additionally, breast cancer rates are increasing in young women, a trend that exists across racial groups but is especially pronounced among Asian Americans, reinforcing the need for awareness and regular screening before symptoms appear.Public health agencies and advocacy groups such as the CDC emphasize that mammography and regular clinical breast examinations remain the cornerstone of early detection of breast cancer and reduction of mortality. Experts recommend several strategies to combat this overlooked risk:
- Better data collection – Separating health data for Indian-American women, rather than lumping them into the broader Asian category, would help determine true incidence, screening rates, and outcomes.
- Community Outreach and Education – Culturally tailored educational campaigns can increase awareness of breast cancer risk, the importance of regular screening, and how to leverage the U.S. health system for preventive care.
- Accessibility Screening Services – Mobile mammography units, screening coverage, and local health partnerships can improve access for women who may delay or skip screening.
- Normalize dialogue – Public figures, community leaders, and health influencers in the Indian American community can help destigmatize breast health discussions and encourage proactive care.
In the United States, breast cancer rates are rising fastest among Asian American women, especially those under 50 years old, but Indian American women remain underrepresented and screening services are inadequate. Some minority groups, including AAPI women, have lower mammography screening rates, leading to later diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Despite increasing risks, cultural barriers, lifestyle changes, and a lack of disaggregated data have resulted in Indian American women being “overlooked.” Early detection saves lives, and increasing targeted screening and awareness can dramatically change outcomes for Indian-American women.
