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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- There has been an overall decline in the rate of invasive breast cancer, but the rate has not declined in young black women, according to new research. Researchers studied the changed in breast cancer rates in the United States between 1975 and 2002.
In 2006, breast cancer will account for nearly one out of every three cancer diagnoses in women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. White women have the highest overall breast cancer incidence rates when compared to all other ethnic groups. However, a closer look at the figures reveals black women younger than 40 have an even higher incidence of breast cancer and a higher rate of death than white women.
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Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) Center of Environmental Oncology analyzed breast cancer rates over 27 years. They report the chance of getting breast cancer is about 21-percent higher in white women and 41-percent higher in black women compared to previous generations. Study authors hypothesize this increased incidence is because of better detection.
But why are young African American women at such a greater risk of breast cancer? Study authors are now researching if environmental factors could play a role. Researchers point out that many black women may use personal care products that contain estrogen and other hormone-mimicking compounds. They suggest this could be involved with the development of breast cancer. In their paper, researchers call for public disclosure by manufacturers of personal care products so research can move forward.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: The American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in Boston, Nov. 4-8, 2006
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