(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Little is known about breast cancer in Hispanics,
but new research is attempting to rectify the situation.
The American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer
Health Disparities, taking place this week in Carefree, AZ, includes four
studies aimed at learning more about how breast cancer impacts Hispanic women.
The first study was conducted among women in the U.S. and Mexico to identify
differences in breast cancer among the two groups. Results showed Mexican women
were older at diagnosis and had more live births than women in the U.S. Women in
the U.S., however, were significantly more likely to have a family history of
the disease. Age at menarche, menopause, and first pregnancy, however, were
similar, as was body mass index, which was high in both populations.
The second study looked at how breast cancer is identified in Hispanic women,
finding 67 percent of cancers were found through self examination and only 23
percent through mammography. Six percent were detected by clinical examination.
Mammography use was 83 percent in the U.S., versus 62 percent outside of the
U.S. About half of the women who found a change in their breasts waited a month
or longer to seek medical attention, citing cost concerns or lack of insurance.
The third study looked at the effect of family history on triple-negative breast
cancer rates in American-born and Mexican-born Hispanic women and
African-American women. Hispanic women born in Mexico had about a two fold
increased risk if they had a family history of the condition, and a six fold
increased risk of being diagnosed at a younger age. No increased risk was found
for African-American women or Hispanic women born in the U.S., suggesting a
combination of geography and genetics may be at play.
The fourth study compared breast cancer risk factors between American-born and
foreign-born Hispanics. Results showed American-born women were more likely to
have a family history of the disease, reach menarche before age 12, use hormone
replacement therapy, drink alcohol, and be obese -- all factors that increase
the risk for the disease. Foreign-born Hispanics were more likely to have more
children, breastfeed longer, engage in more physical activity, and have a higher
intake of fiber -- all factors that decrease the risk.
SOURCE: Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference on
the Science of Cancer Health Disparities, February 4, 2009
