A NEW study reveals significant racial and ethnic differences in the incidence of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) of the breast, a rare cancer often associated with breast implants.
Rising cases of breast anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, spanning the years 2000 to 2020. The study included 90 women diagnosed with breast ALCL, alongside an additional 55 with closely related T-cell lymphoma. Overall, White women accounted for the majority of cases (72.4%), while Hispanic women represented 13.1%. In contrast, very few cases were reported among Black, Asian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women.
When incidence rates were calculated per 100 million women, White patients had the highest rates at 11.6, followed by Hispanic patients at 7.5. Black populations saw much lower rates at 3.5, and incidence was lowest among Asian or Pacific Islander women at 0.9. The data also showed a striking trend: from 2000 to 2010 through 2011 to 2020, rates of breast ALCL increased substantially among Hispanic (0.8 to 12.7) and White patients (3.9 to 20.1) but did not rise in Black populations (4.9 to 2.4).
Possible role of breast implant use
Breast ALCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops in breast tissue, with strong associations to textured breast implants. The reasons behind the racial and ethnic disparities observed in this study remain unclear. However, factors such as implant type, surgical practices, genetic predispositions, and access to healthcare could play a role in shaping these incidence patterns.
Need for further investigation
Lead study author Dylan K. Kim, AB, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA, and his team emphasized the importance of ongoing surveillance. They argue that monitoring incidence trends, particularly within Hispanic and White populations, is essential to improving safety standards and reducing risk.
Reference
Kim DK et al. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the breast by race and ethnicity. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(9):e2528013.
