NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — According to the Center for Disease Control, from 2012 to 2021 the rate of invasive breast cancer cases increased annually by 1%, with a steeper increase for some women who are under 50. For Asian American and Pacific Islander American women doctors have seen a 50% increase since the year 2000. "Right now, it remains a mystery," said Sentara Radiologist Dr. Shannon Wilson, who is Asian and Black. "Hopefully, there will be studies looking into what factors are contributing to this increase that we've seen. But it's likely multifactorial. In Asia, women typically have very dense breasts, and dense breasts can cause a masking effect, making smaller breast cancers more difficult to detect. But also just the increase in breast tissue density increases your overall risk of developing breast cancer." The breast density assessment, Wilson said, may call for a second look with different technology. "As of Sept. 10, the FDA has deemed that all mammography reports that are sent out to patients have to show if the patient has dense or not dense breasts," Wilson said. "So now, all women, 100% of states across the country will know if they have dense or dense breast tissue or not. In their mammography reports, there will be a statement that says to speak with your provider and consider getting additional adjunctive screening tools, such as a screening ultrasound or breast MRI as well." Schedule annual mammograms the way you make your birthday plans, say doctors, but there's a simple way you can screen for breast cancer once a month at no cost. "At least think about maybe doing it once a month," Wilson said. "Generally, I recommend just doing it in the shower, you know, one hand and doing your own self-breast check. And if you detect any changes to come in and get a dedicated evaluation. So if a patient does feel a lump or any concern whatsoever, we always recommend to come in to get it checked out."