New research helps reduce Marin County breast cancer rates

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Marin County no longer holds the title for one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the world.

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s the rates were skyrocketing and researchers were trying to figure out why. What they discovered was a strong correlation between the use of hormone-replacement therapy and breast cancer diagnosis. Marin County women were more likely to seek this treatment to manage symptoms of menopause. Other factors such as women waiting longer to have children were also shown to increase risk for the disease. However, since the study on hormone replacement was released, the rates started to decline.

Now, the Cancer Prevention Institute of California reports a 31 percent drop in new breast cancer cases since 2001. While related deaths in the county dropped by 65 percent since 1988.

Researchers said they also saw a drop in hormone replacement use, and subsequently a drop in breast cancer rates across the state and nation.