THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 1994 TAG: 9409280498
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHICAGO LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Black women are more than twice as likely as whites to die of breast cancer, in large part because their disease more often reaches an advanced stage before it is diagnosed, researchers reported.
The study also provided some evidence that cancerous tumors may be more aggressive in black women, but the researchers said the most important conclusion to be drawn is that early screening for breast cancer is essential.
``We're doing OK treating'' black women, said Dr. J. William Eley of Emory University, chief author of the study. ``So we have to concentrate on access to mammography and physical breast exams and educating women to understand the risk of breast cancer.''
Part of the problem, the researchers said, is that because of poverty or other factors, black women are less likely than white women to get to a doctor for early detection of cancer.
The study, published in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, involved more than 1,100 women, roughly split between blacks and whites, in Atlanta, New Orleans and Oakland, Calif., who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985 and 1986.
Researchers looked at women's social and economic backgrounds, illnesses, the stage when the cancer was discovered, treatment and other factors. They tracked deaths through 1990 and found that black women were 2.2 times as likely to die as white women. Forty percent of the higher death rate was blamed on cancer being more advanced when it was detected. ``The importance of this study is to nail down that the single most important factor to be addressed is how advanced the disease is when black women are diagnosed,'' Eley said.
However, 15 percent of the difference in death rates was attributed to tumors being more aggressive in black women.
``That's not to say the difference is due to genetics,'' Eley said. He said differences in diet and environment might account for more aggressive tumors.
Experts recommend that women do monthly breast self-exams, get annual physical examinations and have a mammogram every year after age 50.
Dr. Funmi Olopade, who specializes in breast cancer treatment at the University of Chicago Medical Center, said the study should send important messages to black women and to doctors.
And when a black woman seeks treatment for an illness or emergency, she said, ``that's the opportunity for a physician to see them and order that mammogram instead of checking their blood pressure and sending them on their way.''
KEYWORDS: STUDY BREAST CANCER by CNB