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The article discusses a study to examine the effects of reproductive factors on breast cancer which differs by estrogen receptor status in African American and European American women. Topics discussed include menarche at early age as an established risk factor for breast cancer, English-speaking women diagnosed with incident invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ, and associations between menstrual and reproductive risk factors.

The article presents a study on African American women in the U.S. with breast cancer having tumors that do not show the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) compared with the European American women. A genome admixture scan was done to look for risk alleles for breast cancer. Also investigated was the global genetic ancestry in connection with disease phenotypes and found little evidence that contributes to breast cancer risk or hormone receptor status.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how to successfully collect demographic, lifestyle and health behavior data, followed by an educational intervention on a culturally sensitive topic, breast cancer, in the politically fragile Kashmir Valley. Survey results of 520 women identified challenges that impact the general health of women, including literacy, hygiene and water safety, as well as a dearth of breast health and educational resources and all cancer services. The study tested culturally sensitive approaches to obtain survey data and provide appropriate breast health education for Kashmiri women at risk for breast cancer, who live within this socially and politically challenging environment. This study provides a foundation for future development of research and clinical programs to identify women at high risk and implement an active health surveillance monitoring program with a focus on breast cancer in Kashmir. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]