Influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on racial differences in late-stage presentation of breast cancer

Socioeconomic factors and cultural beliefs may cause some women to wait until their breast cancer is far advanced before seeking medical screening or treatment. Researchers questioned 540 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, 94 of whom had advanced disease. African-American race, low income and lack of insurance or transportation were linked to more advanced breast cancer. Certain beliefs were also linked to advanced disease, such as the fear that women who have breast surgery are no longer attractive. Many of these factors explain why black women have higher mortality rates from breast cancer than white women.