The odds of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer are higher for women living in isolated white communities, according to a study published online May 5 in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Researchers from Georgia State University found that although white women tend to be at low risk of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses nationwide, they may be at increased risk when they live in highly isolated white communities.
To investigate geographical predictors of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis, a team led by Lee Rivers Mobley, PhD, analyzed more than 970,000 new breast cancer cases from 2004 to 2009 in 40 U.S. states.
In addition to the finding regarding women in isolated white communities, the researchers also noted a link between lower odds of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis and living in a highly segregated Asian community.
Finally, while black and Hispanic women are much more likely to receive late-stage breast cancer diagnoses, living in highly segregated black or Hispanic neighborhoods doesn't appear to carry added risk, according to the researchers.
Public health efforts to raise awareness, promote testing, and reduce disparities may explain the lack of added risk in these areas, they said.
