Breast Cancer and Race

Interesting observations about the potential role of genetics in the racial differences seen in breast cancer patterns:

Based on similarities in breast cancer epidemiology between African-American women and women in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers propose that genetic factors play an important role in the racial differences in breast cancer burdens.

Although African-American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than White-American women, mortality rates from breast cancer are higher, Drs. Alero Fregene and Lisa A. Newman note in their report, published in the April 15th issue of Cancer.

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They found that women in Africa had a 5 to 10 times lower incidence of breast cancer compared with westernized populations. The two researchers suggest that gynecologic and reproductive patterns within African populations that minimize estrogen exposure - such as late menarche, multiparity and prolonged lactation - as well as dietary factors may account for these differences.

However, breast cancer mortality rates are disproportionately high among African women. Although delayed presentation and limited therapeutic modalities may play a role, there may also be a predisposition to biologically aggressive tumors. The latter possibility is reflected in lower age of onset and advanced stage tumors, as is seen among African-American women.

"As research into interactions among tumor biology, genetics, and socioeconomics and/or lifestyle factors continues, medical professionals and researchers will be in a stronger position to address and to eradicate the disproportionate breast cancer burden that currently affects African-American women," the authors conclude.