The study in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Thursday found that breast cancer death rates among women decreased between 2010 and 2014.
But the rate is declining faster among white women — down 1.9 percent compared to a 1.5 percent decrease among black women.
Wheeler reports that, among women under the age of 50, breast cancer death rates decreased at the same pace regardless of race. But in women over the age of 50, there was a significantly larger decrease among those who are white.
The report said the largest difference by race was observed among women aged 60–69 years: Breast cancer death rates decreased 2 percent per year among white women in that age bracket compared with 1 percent among black women.
It’s recommended women 50 to 74 years old, who are at an average risk for breast cancer, get a mammogram every two years.
Women 40 to 49 are advised to talk with their doctor about when and how often they should be screened.
For Wheeler’s full story, click here.