Black women are more likely than white women to die from breast cancer, possibly because they develop it before menopause, Boston researchers said.Black women are diagnosed with breast cancer at an average age of 46, compared to 57 for white women, said Michael Retsky of Children’s Hospital Boston.
Looking at what’s happening in African American women provides a research opportunity to learn how to better screen for and treat premenopausal breast cancer overall, said Retsky. There’s much to learn that might translate into improved outcomes for all premenopausal women.An earlier study suggested that undergoing breast cancer surgery before menopause might stimulate cancer growth.
The researchers did not recommend any changes in screening or treatment protocols for breast cancer, saying more research is needed.Their analysis appears in an upcoming issue of the International Journal of Surgery.
No Comments Yet