Breast cancer-race, ethnicity, and survival: a literature review

A review of the literature on breast cancer was conducted to identify gaps in knowledge as it relates breast cancer risk, race, and survival. The discussion has been divided into three broad categories: (1) breast cancer basics and the relationships between risks, race, and survival; (2) influence of race and socioeconomic status on breast cancer morbidity and mortality; and (3) relationship between age and mammography screening. All of the cited studies reveal evidence of a linkage between race and breast cancer survival, however, the effects of socioeconomic factors and race needs to be examined. Results suggest that African-American women and lower income women need to be targeted for early detection. Many of the analyses among younger women (20-39 years) reported that very little disease occurrence in young black women was associated with the socioeconomic factors studied. Conclusions from all studies indicate that more aggressive screening and public education programs directed toward younger black women is warranted. The gaps in knowledge identified included the lack of an explanation of early onset breast cancer with high penetrance as well as an explanation of African-American women's resistance to self-examination and mammography screening and other barriers to diagnostic treatment. Future studies should also examine the link between familial breast cancer and genetic mutations.